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Cambodian PM backs out on election agreement

Hun Sen says constitutional amendment needed for opposition request to hold 2018 election before rainy season

04.08.2015 - Update : 04.08.2015
Cambodian PM backs out on election agreement

By Lauren Crothers

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia

Cambodia’s prime minister has reneged on a verbal agreement to hold the country’s next election -- due in 2018 -- five months early, also calling on opposition MPs to respond to potential summons over a violent rally last year.

The election agreement was one of several bedrock factors upon which the pact between Hun Sen and the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party’s president, Sam Rainsy, was sealed one year ago.

Since then, the 55 CNRP lawmakers who had been boycotting their seats — over claims that the 2013 election outcome in favor of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party was a fraud — have taken them up. The two parties have also embarked upon an ambitious “culture of dialogue” to smooth over outstanding issues.

But the Phnom Penh Post reported Tuesday that Hun Sen told reporters that since the agreement was verbal, the opposition was “stupid” to think that he would follow through with such a promise.

“I declare, the 2018 election will be held on Sunday, on the fourth week of July… not before, not later. The reason why is because all of you are stupid,” he was quoted as saying at the opening of a bridge in Kandal province Monday.

The CNRP had wanted the elections, which are usually held during the rainy season month of July, to be held in February instead. According to Hun Sen, that concession needed a constitutional amendment — something the opposition failed to seek.

CNRP spokesman Yim Sovann could not be reached Tuesday. However, Rainsy told the Post in an email sent from abroad that he feels that “things can change very quickly: they can go from good to bad or from bad to worse, but they can also revert to better or good.”

He added: “Depending on the environment we must strive to change on the basis of our principles.”

Hun Sen was also quoted by The Cambodia Daily as having referred to a rally held last July near Phnom Penh’s Freedom Park, during which a violent scuffle broke out and security guards and protesters were beaten and injured.

It had been attended by seven CNRP lawmakers-elect, who were briefly jailed and then freed when the deal was struck.

“For the other seven people — I am not making a threat — please come when the court summons you, or else be cautious of being tried in absentia, meaning that you abandon your right to a defense,” the Daily quoted Hun Sen as saying.

Koul Panha, executive director of the Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel), said the volte-face on when the elections would be held isn’t exactly a surprise, coming from the long-term leader.

“He’s always unpredictable with respect to promises or contracts,” Panha told Anadolu Agency on Tuesday.

He also said that the election could easily be held in February – when there is “less risk of rain, it’s after the harvest and people are more relaxed” -- without having to amend any aspects of the constitution, as Hun Sen alleged.

“It’s not related to the constitution at all — it doesn’t mention time schedule, except if you extend the government’s term, then you have to look at the amendment,” Panha said. “If it’s before the term… the prime minister has the power to call for elections, according to the election law.”

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