Cambodian Reformers Draw Crowds

0

Cambodian opposition party leaders Sam Rainsy, Kem Sokha and Mu Sochua of the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) campaigned in Battambang on Tuesday ahead of the national election being held this Sunday. Despite an almost certain victory by the ruling Cambodian People's Party, the CNRP campaign convoy has drawn large crowds during its tour through provincial Cambodia.

Thousands of supporters riding motor scooters and tuktuks followed the CNRP motorcade through the streets of Battambang and out into the countryside to spread their message of hope and change for Cambodia.

Supporters of the Cambodian National Rescue Party in Battambang. Photo by Paul Carson.

Supporters of the Cambodian National Rescue Party in Battambang. Photo by Paul Carson.

Cambodian National Rescue Party leader Sam Rainsy addresses a large crowd of supporters outside Psar Nath in Battambang. Photo by Paul Carson.

Cambodian National Rescue Party leader Sam Rainsy addresses a large crowd of supporters outside Psar Nath in Battambang. Photo by Paul Carson.

 CNRP leader Sam Rainsy (centre) addressing party supporters while deputy leader Kem Sokha (left) and Member of Parliament Mu Sochua (right) look on. Photo by Paul Carson

CNRP leader Sam Rainsy (centre) addressing party supporters while deputy leader Kem Sokha (left) and Member of Parliament Mu Sochua (right) look on. Photo by Paul Carson

Part of the large crowd of Cambodian National Party supporters gathered in front of one of Battambang's main markets to hear from Sam Rainsy, Kem Sokha and Mu Sochua. Photo by Paul Carson.

A large crowd of CNRP supporters gathered in front of one of Battambang's main markets to hear from Sam Rainsy, Kem Sokha and Mu Sochua. Photo by Paul Carson.

Cambodian National Rescue Party MP Mu Sochua giving the crowd a seven-finger salute. The CNRP's position on the ballot paper is number seven, and this sign has become a favoured method of greeting among young CNRP supporters.

Cambodian National Rescue Party MP Mu Sochua giving the crowd a seven-finger salute. The CNRP's position on the ballot paper is number seven, and this sign has become a favoured method of greeting among young CNRP supporters.

A Cambodian National Rescue Party supporter holds a photograph of Kem Sokha and Sam Rainsy as the CNRP convoy makes its way through provincial Battambang. Photo by Paul Carson.

A Cambodian National Rescue Party supporter holds a photograph of Kem Sokha and Sam Rainsy as the CNRP convoy makes its way through provincial Battambang. Photo by Paul Carson.

Jubilant young Cambodian National Rescue Party supporters on the roadside in provincial Battambang. Photo by Paul Carson.

Jubilant young Cambodian National Rescue Party supporters on the roadside in provincial Battambang. Photo by Paul Carson.

Launched in 2004, New Matilda is one of Australia's oldest online independent publications. It's focus is on investigative journalism and analysis, with occasional smart arsery thrown in for reasons of sanity. New Matilda is owned and edited by Walkley Award and Human Rights Award winning journalist Chris Graham.

[fbcomments]