Party on: Cambodia starts election campaign with doves and dancing
Critics argue the vote might not be fair after a court dissolved the main opposition party for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government
Doves flew into the sky and traditional dancers performed at huge rallies in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh on Saturday, as the ruling party of long-serving Prime Minister Hun Sen launched campaigning for general elections on July 29.
Western countries and the United Nations have expressed concern the vote might not be free or fair after a court last year dissolved the main opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government.
Most of the CNRP’s leaders have fled abroad, fearing a crackdown by Hun Sen and his allies on critics, including independent media and opposition lawmakers.
Hun Sen launched the campaign at a rally featuring traditional dance performances and doves and balloons released into the sky that drew about 60,000 supporters.
“If you love peace and development, please vote for the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP),” he said, to applause from the crowd, sitting on plastic chairs.