EU suspends funding for Cambodian election

EU suspends funding for Cambodian election

Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen arrives for a meeting with garment workers on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Nov 8, 2017. (Reuters photo)
Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen arrives for a meeting with garment workers on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Nov 8, 2017. (Reuters photo)

PHNOM PENH: The European Union has suspended funding for Cambodia's 2018 general election because the vote cannot be credible after the dissolution of the main opposition party, according to a letter sent to the national election committee on Tuesday.

The Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) was dissolved by the country's highest court last month at the request of the government of Prime Minister Hun Sen after the arrest of opposition leader Kem Sokha for alleged treason.

"An electoral process from which the main opposition party has been arbitrarily excluded cannot be seen as legitimate," read the Dec 12 letter reviewed by Reuters.

"Under these circumstances, the European Union does not believe there is a possibilty of a credible electoral process."

  • Earlier video: Hun Sen to US: Go ahead, cut my aid 
  •  (Reuters video)

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