Cambodia opposition party defies Hun Sen's threat, will contest 2018 elections

Prime Minister Hun Sen threatened Monday to dissolve the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party if it gets involved in legal proceedings against arrested leader Kem Sokha

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Prime Minister Hun Sen threatened Monday to dissolve the opposition party if it gets involved in legal proceedings against Kem Sokha. File photo: Reuters

Published: 1:48pm, 12 Sep 2017Updated: 9:41pm, 12 Sep 2017

Cambodia’s main opposition party said on Tuesday that it would stand in next year’s election despite the treason charges against its leader and a threat by Prime Minister Hun Sen that it could be dissolved.

Hun Sen, a former Khmer Rouge commander who has ruled for more than 30 years, said on Monday that the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) would be dissolved if it continues to back detained leader Kem Sokha.

Kem Sokha was arrested on September 3, and has been charged with treason over an alleged plot to gain power with US support. He is the only serious election rival to Hun Sen, who is one of China’s closest allies in Southeast Asia.

In a news briefing on Tuesday, senior CNRP member Son Chhay said the opposition would not boycott the July 2018 general election in which it faces Hun Sen’s ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP).

Son Chhay (C), senior member of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) gives a speech during a press conference in Phnom Penh. Photo: EPA

“The CNRP will go into the 2018 election despite the enormous difficulties,” Son Chhay said.

“The only choice is to go into the upcoming election.”