Cambodian opposition to launch rallies next month

A Cambodian opposition party announced Monday it would hold a series of mass demonstrations next month to call for an inquiry into the July election that handed victory to the ruling party.

According to a statement, the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) will stage a mass rally Dec 10 on the International Human Rights Day in the cultural tourism city of northwestern Siem Reap province, and a mass protest Dec 15 at the Freedom Park in Phnom Penh, reports Xinhua.

"Moreover, the party will hold mass demonstrations every Sunday from Dec 15," the statement said.

"Our demand is still the same - probe into the allegations of serious fraud and irregularities during the July's national election," CNRP spokesman Yem Ponharith said.

"There is no independent investigation into the poll, we will continue boycotting parliament," he said.

The CNRP has launched several mass demonstrations since the July's election. One of the events in September turned violent as protesters threw stones at police and they retaliated with tear gas, smoke bombs, and water cannons. As a result, a protester was shot dead and several got wounded including a police officer.

Cheam Yeap, senior lawmaker of the ruling Cambodian People's Party said that it is the opposition's rights to hold demonstrations, but they have to comply with the law in order to maintain social security, safety and dignity.

The country held a general election in July. The results revealed that the Prime Minister Hun Sen's ruling party won 68 seats out of the 123 parliamentary seats, and the CNRP opposition leader Sam Rainsy got 55 seats, but the party refused to accept the outcomes, claiming serious irregularities.

Despite the opposition's refusal of the results and boycott of parliament, the ruling party-formed parliament voted Sep 24 for the establishment of a new government under the leadership of Hun Sen.