Ruling party of Cambodia starts election campaign
Doves flew into the sky and traditional dancers performed at huge rallies in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh on July 7, as the ruling party of Prime Minister Hun Sen launched campaigning for general elections on July 29.
Supporters of the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) gesture during a general election campaign in Phnom Penh on July 7. (Photo: Getty Image)
Hun Sen launched the campaign at a rally featuring traditional dance performances and doves and balloons released into the sky that drew about 60,000 supporters.
"If you love peace and development, please vote for the Cambodian People's Party (CPP)," he said, to applause from the crowd, seated on plastic chairs.
In a speech lasting more than an hour, Hun Sen said his party had protected people and prevented the return of the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime that killed an estimated 1.7 million people in the 1970s.
"The CPP has been the only political force that has stayed and shared ups and down with the people, and has done everything for the interest of the people," he added.
Hun Sen promised to increase wages for factory workers, civil servants and armed forces every year.
According to a National Election Committee (NEC) statement on July 4, more than 50,000 national and international observers will monitor a national election in Cambodia next month.
"As of June 26, the NEC has recognized more than 50,000 national and international observers from 82 associations, non-governmental organizations, and institutions," the statement said, adding that the foreign observers included those from Myanmar, China and Singapore.
The NEC is considering recognizing other 800 local and foreign observers, according to the statement.
The registration deadline for national observers will be on July 18 and that for the international observers will be on July 25.
The Southeast Asian country is scheduled to hold the national election for the 125-seat parliament on July 29.
NEC said that 20 political parties will contest in the election, which will see some 8.3 million people cast their ballots./.
NDO/Reuters, Xinhua
