Thomico: Since the CPP will win in the 2008 election, why bother holding the election?

Thomico: Those who defect lost hope in toppling the CPP

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Rasmei Kampuchea

Translated from Khmer by Socheata

Courtesy of http://ki-media.blogspot.com

On 15 February, Prince Thomico (pictured) said that the defection of officials from the SRP and other political parties to join the CPP, is because these officials lost hope in the 2008 election, and they believe that nobody can win over the CPP, nor can anybody wrestle the prime minister position from Hun Sen’s grip.While avoiding to criticize the Funcinpec party (the prince’s party), Prince Thomico showed in his comment, that in his personal belief, he does not see any party that has a clear standing. He said that the SRP criticizes the government a lot, but it does not provide any means to develop the country to be on par with the neighboring countries. Therefore, both the people and the party officials lost their faith and their hope. The prince added that: “Therefore, each one of them starts to leave, and some don’t even want to be involved in politics anymore.”The prince explained that the departure of the officials from the SRP and other political parties stems from the fact that they understand that there is no party which can win over the CPP.With his prediction of the election results to be a win for the CPP, Prince Thomico said that the 2008 election shouldn’t be conducted, or if it is conducted, it should not be a major event, in order to save money.Prince Thomico made this statement at a time when some important SRP officials are leaving the party. On 15 February, 3 SRP officials defected to the CPP: Chau Phally, Hor Sopheap(?) and Khieu Rada(?).