Ranariddh can stand for election: NEC

By Soun Sophalmony

The Mekong Times

Tep Nitha, Secretary General of the National Election Committee (NEC) said yesterday that Prince Norodom Ranariddh (pictured), president of the opposition Norodom Ranariddh Party (NRP), can still stand in the upcoming election despite a breach of trust appeal case pending at the Supreme Court.

“[An] individual who the court has decided upon has no right to register as a candidate. But if the decision hasn’t been released yet, he can register,” Tep Nitha said, adding that registration for premiership candidates starts today and ends May 12.

Prince Norodom Ranarariddh is currently in self-exile abroad following his conviction in March 2007 over the sale of the former Funcinpec headquarters. The prince was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment and ordered to pay US$150,000. Ranariddh Anandayat, special advisor to Prince Ranariddh, agreed that the prince can register but was unsure if he would return for the Jul 27 election.

“If the [Supreme Court] releases a decision which convicts him with any punishment, Norodom Ranariddh will ask for a king’s pardon so that he can lead the NRP into the election,” Ranariddh Anandayat said.

Liv Sovanna, a defense lawyer for Prince Ranariddh, said that he was unsure when the Supreme Court will set a date for his hearing. “The absence of Prince Norodom Ranariddh causes concern that the election will not be free or fair. So, he should seek for resolution with the court,” said Hong Puthea, executive director of electoral NGO the Neutral and Impartial Committee on Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia.

“The government should allow all political parties to conduct equal levels of activities in order to gain support from all citizens,” he added.