SpiceMan Posted September 8, 2013 Report Share Posted September 8, 2013 Cambodia's opposition claims there was widespread rigging in July's election Cambodia's ruling People's Party (CPP) has officially won July's disputed general election, the national election committee has confirmed. Prime Minister Hun Sen's CPP won 68 seats, compared with 55 for the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), the committee said. The televised announcement came after thousands of people took part in a rally in the capital Phnom Penh to protest against alleged electoral fraud. Hun Sen has run Cambodia for 28 years. The 61-year-old has vowed to stay in power until he is in his seventies. Opposition leader Sam Rainsy claimed there was widespread rigging in the election. The result confirmation means he will no longer be able to legally contest the vote, but Mr Rainsy said he would not give up. "We do not accept results that do not reflect the real will of the people. These are the results of voter fraud," he told reporters. "We will continue to protest all over the country, not only in Phnom Penh. Protests will take the form of marches,'' he said. Thousands streamed into Democracy Park on Saturday to protest about the result According to preliminary figures, the CPP won 3.2 million votes, while Mr Rainsy's party obtained 2.9 million. The election commission has yet to officially confirm these numbers - it has only confirmed the CPP win. On Saturday, huge crowds of opposition supporters gathered in Phnom Penh's Democracy Park in what organisers described as a peaceful protest based on Buddhist prayer. Many demonstrators brought lotus flowers symbolising peace. Mr Rainsy told the crowd it was a "historic day", saying that "those who steal our votes won't live happily". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flashermac Posted September 9, 2013 Report Share Posted September 9, 2013 "The 61-year-old has vowed to stay in power until he is in his seventies." ... when his son will take over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flashermac Posted September 15, 2013 Report Share Posted September 15, 2013 Mass protest in Cambodia against election results Thousands of Cambodians are protesting, for the second weekend in a row, against the ruling party's narrow election win in July. The mass rally is led by opposition leader Sam Rainsy. He has called for an investigation into the ballot, claiming Prime Minister Hun Sen rigged the vote. The demonstration comes a day after a meeting between both men failed to resolve the political deadlock. Analysts say Hun Sen, 61, faces one of the biggest tests of his 28-year rule. The prime minister has repeatedly vowed to stay in power until he is in his seventies. In the July vote, his People's Party (CPP) won 68 seats, compared with 55 for the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP). The national election committee confirmed the results earlier this month. With all state institutions - including the election commission - under the thumb of Hun Sen, protests are the only way opposition supporters can challenge the result, correspondents say. 'Long live democracy' Up to 20,000 activists, workers and monks gathered in a public park in Phnom Penh under the watchful eye of of riot police on Sunday. Rural protesters were transported to the capital in large convoys of buses and trucks, local media report. Demonstrators carried signs saying "Where is my vote?" and "Long live democracy". Many also held lotus flowers symbolising peace in what organisers described as a peaceful protest based on Buddhist prayer. The demonstration is the second in a week, and Mr Rainsy warned more would follow until election irregularities were properly investigated. "[People's] ballots were stolen and they are asking for justice," he told large crowds of supporters. The Ministry of Interior earlier said Sunday's rally had to end by early evening. But many protesters defied the order and remained in the streets, raising the prospect of a possible forced removal. Clashes were reported between small groups of demonstrators and police near the Royal Palace in central Phnom Penh. On Saturday, Hun Sen and Mr Rainsy failed to reach an accord in talks brokered by King Norodom Sihamoni. Both sides are due to meet again on Monday. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24098788 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpiceMan Posted September 15, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 15, 2013 I would like to think there could be a change of government in Cambodia. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waerth Posted September 15, 2013 Report Share Posted September 15, 2013 Some death reported in riots at the protest site this night. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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