It’s been just over a week since Cambodians cast their vote in the national election, and a definitive result remains elusive.
Both the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and the opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) have claimed victory, and both parties have said that they welcome an investigation into allegations of irregularities at polling stations such as people not able to find heir names on the electoral roll, or being told that they had already voted.
While the CPP says it is happy for an investigation to take place, it is refusing to go along with the CNRP’s insistence that the United Nations be a part of the investigative process.
Deputy Prime Minister Sar Kheng has said that involving the UN would be a violation of Cambodian law.
Meanwhile, the CNRP held a rally in Freedom Park in Phnom Penh on Tuesday to thank its supporters and let them know the party will continue to fight for change in Cambodia. Despite rumours of a police crackdown, several thousand people gathered to hear CNRP president Sam Rainsy and party deputy leader Kem Sokha speak. Police presence was very small, and the rally remained incident-free.
A Cambodian National Rescue Party supporter showing cards printed with the party's logo and photograph of Kem Sokha and Sam Rainsy. Photo by Paul Carson. |
One of thousands of CNRP supporters in Freedom Park. Photo by Paul Carson. |
CNRP president Sam Rainsy addressing the crowd in Freedom Park. Photo by Paul Carson. |
CNRP deputy leader Kem Sokha takes to the microphone at the Freedom Park rally. Photo by Paul Carson. |
Part of the thousands-strong crowd gathered in Freedom Park. Photo by Paul Carson. |
CNRP MP Mu Sochua greeting the crowd towards the end of the rally. Photo by Paul Carson. |
A CNRP supporter in high spirits during the rally. Photo by Paul Carson. |
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