Huge rallies in Cambodia as campaigning for local elections comes to an end
In a possible sign of nerves over the vote, Hun Sen broke with his tradition of avoiding the campaign trail to lead a massive parade of trucks, motorcycles and tuk-tuks through the capital
Tens of thousands of Cambodians jammed into the capital’s streets for rival campaign rallies yesterday, two days before local polls set to test the mettle of an opposition desperate to upend premier Hun Sen’s 32-year rule.
Tomorrow’s vote in more than 1,600 communes – village clusters – follows months of political tension in the fragile democracy, where Hun Sen is accused of crushing dissent after nearly losing the last 2013 poll.
The opposition movement has been hit hard by his crackdown and the June 4 vote has been cast as a barometer for its chances of turfing Hun Sen out at next year’s general election.
Members of the opposition hope to draw on frustration among Cambodia’s young population over graft and the diminished space for free expression under Hun Sen.
In a possible sign of nerves over the vote, Hun Sen broke with his tradition of avoiding the campaign trail to lead a massive parade of trucks, motorcycles and tuk-tuks through the capital.
Addressing a sea of flag-waving supporters dressed in the ruling party’s signature baby blue, Hun Sen delivered a well-worn speech about the stability he has brought to Cambodia since the end of the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime.
“Which party brought about peace?” he asked a raucous crowd decked out in shirts, hats and flags bearing the emblem of his Cambodian People’s Party (CPP).