CNRP Calls For Large Rally in Phnom Penh
The opposition CNRP has called on its supporters to gather in Phnom Penh’s Freedom Park on Monday for a large rally, though party leaders insisted that the event would be peaceful and not considered to be a demonstration against contested national election results. In a statement signed by CNRP spokesman Yim Sovann on Wednesday, the party called for “compatriots, especially the youth, to participate in discussions during this large gathering.” Though the statement did not specify why exactly the rally had been called, Mr. Sovann said Wednesday he hoped “as many people as possible” would join the rally with CNRP president Sam Rainsy and vice president Kem Sokha, which he said will be promoted over Facebook, on the radio and through party activists on the ground. The statement also says Mr. Rainsy and Mr. Sokha will spend three days holding rallies in Kandal, Kompong Cham, Kompong Thom and Siem Reap provinces prior to the event in Phnom Penh. Mr. Rainsy said Wednesday the rally in Phnom Penh was being held to inform opposition supporters of the current political situation and explain the party’s plan in the coming weeks. … The Constitutional Council is expected to rule on preliminary polling results released by the NEC before September 8, when results will be finalized. A new National Assembly is scheduled to convene by the end of September, two months after the parliamentary election. Mr. Rainsy said that Monday’s rally will not be a “demonstration,” but rather a “gathering,” as the opposition party is still hopeful that the CPP might move forward in working with the CNRP to conduct a transparent investigation into the July 28 ballot. … Though Prime Minister Hun Sen and Interior Minister Sar Kheng have both warned of chaos and trouble should opposition rallies turn violent, police and Ministry of Interior officials said Wednesday that the CNRP’s planned rally was not in violation of the law. “I understand that the people ought to be able to express their ideas, but don’t use violence. If there is a protest, please protest peacefully and without violence,” said military police spokesman Brigadier General Kheng Tito. If violence were to occur, Brig. Gen. Tito said that security forces were prepared to restore order. … Ministry of Interior spokesman Lieutenant General Khieu Sopheak said Wednesday that as long as the CNRP rally followed these rules, he saw no reason why it could not go forward. …
Colin Meyn and Khy Sovuthy
http://www.cambodiadaily.com/elections/cnrp-calls-for-large-rally-in-phnom-penh-40499/
