Cambodian opposition congress is illegal, says government

The Interior Ministry has notified the opposition CNRP that their extraordinary congress to elect a president and new vice-president was illegal, stoking fears the government will prevent the party from standing in June’s commune elections.   The ministry also reiterated its  demand that the CNRP change its controversial slogan for the upcoming election campaign, saying it contradicted the spirit of the 1993 constitution.
 

A statement from the ministry on Wednesday, signed by Interior Minister Sar Kheng, was sent to the head of the CNRP’s executive committee and party spokesman Yim Sovann. It said the extraordinary congress to elect Kem Sokha as party president and Pol Ham, Mu Sochua and Eng Chhay Eang as vice-presidents was carried out contrary to article 47 of the party’s internal regulations.
 

Article 47, the ministry said, required the CNRP to wait 18 months before electing a new president. Former party president Sam Rainsy resigned on February 11. However, the CNRP announced it had amended article 47 at its extraordinary congress on March 2, which allowed them to assign a new president within 30 days of Mr. Rainsy’s departure.

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