Cambodia's Prime Minister has rejected opposition calls for fresh elections and dismissed allegations that the July election was tainted by vote rigging.
Hun Sen said there would be "no re-election" because the Cambodian constitution did not allow the prime minister to dissolve the parliament before its five-year mandate.
His comments follow this week's daily protests which have seen several thousand demonstrators, many carrying banners reading "Hun Sen must step down!", march through the streets of Phnom Penh.
At least 10,000 people turned out on Sunday to press the Cambodian leader to resign and hold another election.
It was the first time they'd made such demands, with the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) party previously asking for an independent probe into the polls that extended Hun Sen's nearly three-decade rule.
But Hun Sen has warned that the government would take legal measures in response to any "illegal actions" that would cause instability in the country.
"We cannot accept any actions that would involve the destruction of national security," he said.
The CNRP, which has boycotted parliament since the polls, has threatened to block all major roads to Phnom Penh next month unless the government meets it demands.
In September, Parliament approved a new five-year term for Hun Sen, despite the absence of opposition MPs.
Hun Sen -- a 61-year-old former Khmer Rouge cadre who defected and oversaw Cambodia's rise from the ashes of war -- has ruled for 28 years, and has vowed to continue until he is 74.
Some observers say the opposition protests are now largely symbolic, with months passing since the elections while Hun Sen remains firmly in charge.
AFP
1 comment:
Hun Sen and his cronies included Tep Vong stole Buddha relics and grind Buddha bones with holy water and drink to enhance his immortal power.
He is not going to resign from PM, He use Buddha power to cling on power but Buddha bones cannot save him from people tsunami.
In order to get rid of his power we must burn him alive (sacrifice).
Tep Vong and Hun Sen will see hell Yumareach at 120 steps when their judgement day have come.
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