Cambodian Ruling, Opposition Parties To Resume Talks Over Electoral Reform

PHNOM PENH, Feb 15 (Bernama) -- Representatives of Cambodia's ruling and opposition parties will meet on Feb 18 to discuss the establishment of a mechanism for an electoral reform, Xinhua news agency reported.

Prum Sokha, secretary of state from the Ministry of Interior, will lead a group from ruling Cambodia People's Party (CPP) while the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) is headed by lawmaker-elect Son Chhay.

CNRP spokesman Yem Ponharith said the meeting is a positive step towards resolving the seven-month post-election dispute.

"The CNRP will stop boycotting parliament if the two sides agree on the establishment of a mechanism for an electoral reform and an early election," he said.

Cambodia has been embroiled in political turmoil since last year's July election results showed CPP won 68 parliamentary seats and the opposition party 55 seats.

The opposition has claimed serious irregularities in the results and boycotted parliament and held many protests in order to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Hun Sen and a re-election.

Hun Sen has said he would neither step down nor call a re-vote.

The leaders of both parties met twice last September to resolve their political differences but the talks failed to reach any agreement.

-- BERNAMA