Cambodian election body rejects opposition chief's bid to vote and run in next week's polls

Cambodian opposition leader Sam Rainsy speaks to his supporters in Phnom Penh, on July 19, 2013. Rainsy cannot be a candidate in upcoming polls, election authorities ruled as they rejected his application to stand against strongman Premier Hun Sen

 

Published July 22, 2013

Associated Press

 

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia –  Cambodia's national election body has rejected a late bid by the country's opposition leader to register as a candidate and vote in next week's general election.

The National Election Committee said in a letter Monday to Sam Rainsy, head of the Cambodia National Rescue Party, that he had missed the deadlines for both running and voting in the July 28 polls.

Rainsy returned from self-imposed exile last week after his archrival, Prime Minister Hun Sen, arranged to pardon him for convictions that would have put him in prison for 11 years.

Hun Sen's Cambodian People's Party is expected to maintain its large majority in parliament, but the vast and enthusiastic crowds that greeted Rainsy's return on Friday suggest the opposition may make its strongest showing ever.