The SRP strategy to bring opposition leader Sam Rainsy back to Cambodia

The SRP strategy to bring opposition leader Sam Rainsy back to Cambodia

(Photo: Vannara, RFI)

13 July 2011
By Yun Samean
Radio Free Asia
Translated from Khmer by Soch

A Message from SRP MP Mu Sochua:

"Free and fair election is about protection of citizens' right to make informed choice of their representatives. The integrity, independence and neutrality of the national election committee play key role in setting up the level playing field for all competitors and illegible voters in this process- one of the steps to building democracy.

Cambodia stands a chance because local electoral groups, human rights organizations, and trade unions are active in making electoral reforms happen.

But the main challenge is the will of the ruling party to show their commitment to true democracy. The final report of the EU observation mission in Cambodia in 2008 reveals the main shortfalls of the electoral process and recommendations are clear for remedy http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/KH/cambodia-final-report-national-assembly-elections.

This interview puts out again, the challenge to reforms and the different possible scenarios should reforms fail, before the 2012 local elections and the 2013 general elections.

It is our vote, it is our right, it is our responsibility to defend it together. Mass demonstration is part of freedom of expression that must be protected.

Mu Sochua, MP

The SRP is looking for a political resolution to guarantee the return of opposition leader Sam Rainsy back to Cambodia so that he may participate in the upcoming 2013 general election.

SRP official warned that, as its last choice, the SRP will hold a protest to air its demand along public streets so that Sam Rainsy can return back during the election.

Opposition leader Sam Rainsy is currently living in self-exile in France after the sCambodian court sentenced him for more than 10 years of jail time for criticizing the border problem between Cambodia and Vietnam

A CPP MP used to warn opposition leader Sam Rainsy, telling him that he cannot return back to Cambodia unless he stops defaming the Phnom Penh regime, otherwise, Sam Rainsy will have to face jail first.

Please listen to Yun Samean’s interview with SRP MP Mu Sochua on the SRP’s strategy to return opposition leader Sam Rainsy back to Cambodia.

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