Cambodian opposition may unite against Hun Sen

PHOTO

The opposition's Sam Rainsy (L) shakes hands with the prime minister, Hun Sen. [Reuters]

Cambodia's two main opposition parties are discussing a merger to contest the next general election.

The Phnom Penh Post reports that Human Rights Party has suggested to the Sam Rainsy Party that the two campaign together for the 2012 poll under the one banner.

President of the Human Rights Party, Kem Sokha, says the alliance has been struck at an opportune moment for rallying a growing number of people rejecting the ruling Cambodian People's Party.

The Sam Rainsy Party, Cambodia's main opposition for more than a decade, says it will take the idea to its leadership to decide.

However, for now the union will be in spirit only, to avoid a parliamentary rule that seats must be sacrificed if parties merge.

Together, the Sam Rainsy Party and the Human Rights Party would a total of 29 seats.