PHNOM PENH — The Cambodian Interior Ministry has approved a new political party that observers say may split the opposition vote ahead of the 2018 elections.
In a statement released late Friday, the ministry said it recognised the Khmer Power Party led by Sourn Serey Ratha, self-exiled president of the Khmer People Power Movement based in the United States.
Ratha was convicted and sentenced in absentia in January this year to seven years in prison by a Cambodian court for incitement and obstructing the 2013 elections.
However, with Prime Minister Hun Sen's intervention, King Norodom Sihamoni pardoned him on July 10. Ratha is planning to return to Cambodia later this year.
Since he left for the United States in 2007, Ratha was seen as a threat to the ruling Cambodian People's Party of Hun Sen. However, members of the main opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party and some analysts say his aim is to split the opposition, which would end up benefiting the CPP.
It remains unclear how successful the new party will be in attracting voters.
In the last election in 2013, the CPP won 68 seats and the CNRP 55 seats in the 123-seat National Assembly.
Cambodia holds a general election every five years.
PHNOM PENH — The Cambodian Interior Ministry has approved a new political party that observers say may split the opposition vote ahead of the 2018 elections.In a statement released late Friday, the ministry said it recognised the Khmer Power Party led by Sourn Serey Ratha, self-exiled president of the Khmer People Power Movement based in the United States.Ratha was convicted and sentenced in absentia in January this year to seven years in prison by a Cambodian court for incitement and obstructing the 2013 elections.However, with Prime Minister Hun Sen's intervention, King Norodom Sihamoni pardoned him on July 10. Ratha is planning to return to Cambodia later this year.Since he left for the United States in 2007, Ratha was seen as a threat to the ruling Cambodian People's Party of Hun Sen. However, members of the main opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party and some analysts say his aim is to split the opposition, which would end up benefiting the CPP.It remains unclear how successful the new party will be in attracting voters.In the last election in 2013, the CPP won 68 seats and the CNRP 55 seats in the 123-seat National Assembly.Cambodia holds a general election every five years.
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