SRP hails new seats, vows to cooperate

Written by Meas Sokchea

Wednesday, 20 May 2009 Phnom Penh Post

THE opposition Sam Rainsy Party in a statement released on Tuesday expressed satisfaction over the results of Sunday's provincial, district and municipal council elections, and pledged that its new councilors will cooperate with CPP officials to work for the betterment of the Cambodian people. Provisional election results released Monday by the National Election Committee (NEC) show the CPP winning about three-quarters of the vote on the new councils. In addition to its cooperation, the SRP vowed to use its presence at lower levels of government to bring local voices into the process. "All [SRP] officials have promised to fulfill their obligations as councilors in every way and ensure that they will honour the responsibilities given to them," the party's statement said. "It is a chance to serve all people, oppose every abuse and provide proper services for the people." The statement added that the election would help dilute the total control exercised by the ruling party at lower levels of government. SRP spokesman Yim Sovann said Tuesday that the party had gained at least 578 seats across the country in Sunday's poll. But senior CPP lawmaker Cheam Yeap dismissed the SRP statement, saying it was motivated by "pride". He also rejected the claim that the CPP held a monopoly of control at the district and provincial levels, saying all elected parties bore some responsibility for government policy. "We are part of a ruling coalition, and the SRP also has seats in parliament, so [it] cannot deny responsibility," he said. "They have participated in the making of laws as well."