Analysts See Chance for End to Political Deadlock

With Saturday’s opposition protest now expected to be a peaceful meditation on justice—rather than a demonstration against a flawed election process—Cambodian analysts say the current post-election deadlock may soon pass. Opposition leaders said Monday they planned to go forward with a mass demonstration, but that they would seek to ensure it was in the tradition of peace and calm. The change came despite weeks of rhetoric that was deeply critical of July’s election process and that denied election results giving a win to the ruling party. Kem Sokha, vice president of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party, told VOA Khmer the party was not “softening” its position, but it wanted to ensure public order and to avoid violence. Analysts say a political negotiation that ends with a power-sharing agreement within the government is still possible. But it is also possible that the ruling Cambodian People’s Party will wield its influence to alter the law and allow it to form a government without the cooperation of the opposition. …

 Heng Reaksmey
http://www.voacambodia.com/content/analysts-see-chance-for-end-to-political-deadlock/1742485.html