PHNOM PENH (ANN/THE STAR) – Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen yesterday called on main opposition party supporters to avoid protests as the kingdom is hosting the 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
Running on May 5-17, the biennial multi-sport event has brought together a total of 10,890 athletes, coaches, arbitrators and officials from 11 Southeast Asian countries.
In a special voice message, Hun Sen warned that any attempts to destroy the kingdom’s security, public order and reputation would not be forgiven.
“I’d like to call on the Candlelight Party supporters to keep calm and avoid gatherings at the appeal of the Candlelight Party leaders,” he said.
The prime minister’s remarks came a day after the Candlelight Party issued a statement urging its supporters across the country to get ready for peaceful protests if the National Election Committee (NEC) refused to recognise the party for the general election in July.
The NEC has not yet decided whether to recognise the Candlelight Party for the upcoming polls or not, as it suggested the opposition party to submit some more required documents.
The NEC said last Monday that 20 political parties had registered to contest in the forthcoming election.
