In an apparent attempt to appease critics from across the world, Cambodia has agreed to grant a royal pardon for Opposition leader Sam Rainsy to return from exile on Friday. Jim Middleton speaks with Mu Sochua, a prominent member of Sam Rainsy's Opposition party. (Credit: ABC)
-------------------------------------------------
Cambodia's opposition leader Sam Rainsy is seeking legal advice on registering as a last-minute candidate in the upcoming election.
Cambodia's opposition leader Sam Rainsy is seeking legal advice on registering as a last-minute candidate in the upcoming election.
Mr Rainsy was disqualified as a minister of parliament in 2011, following his conviction for various offenses which observers said were politically-motivated.
While Mr Rainsy is preparing to return home from self-exile in France after receiving a pardon from the King, his lawyers are studying various legal options through which he might participate in the national polls.
Cambodian opposition leader and leader of the Cambodia National Rescue Party, Sam Rainsy, has told Radio Australia's Asia Pacific he hopes to run not just for parliament but also for prime minister.
Cambodian opposition leader and leader of the Cambodia National Rescue Party, Sam Rainsy, has told Radio Australia's Asia Pacific he hopes to run not just for parliament but also for prime minister.
The upcoming election would be meaningless if the outgoing prime minister, Mr Hun Sen, is alone to run for premiership, where there's no other challenge or candidate," Mr Rainsy said.
"As the leader of the opposition, I am the only real and serious challenger to Mr Hun Sen.
Mr Rainsy says the youth are his main supporters as they realise their future is not with the ruling party.
"A large number of youths are unemployed," he said.
"There is not adequate jobs creation and the ruling party has miserably failed in giving youths decent jobs.
"The youths realise that this country needs a change.
"A change in leadership, in policy, in order to provide decent jobs to a growing number of youths who reach the job market every year.
"We want a more equitable growth and development for the country, while preserving our natural resources, preserving our social fabric, meaning preserving our future," Mr Rainsy said.
Mr Rainsy says he hopes to pay his respects and express gratitude to the King at the royal palace as soon as he returns to Cambodia.
"Immediately after, I will go to meet Cambodians, all over Cambodia...visit several provinces a day, in order to cover virtually the whole country in one week," he said.
 |
| Photo: Sam Rainsy lives in exile in France to avoid an 11-year prison sentence which he says is politically motivated. (AFP) |
No comments:
Post a Comment
yes