Political Parties Remain at Odds Over Election, Government

Cambodia’s ruling and opposition parties remain at odds over negotiations for a new government. The opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party wants to negotiate for election reforms, following irregularities opposition leaders say cost them the election in July. But a ruling party lawmaker told VOA Khmer that negotiations should now be centered around positions at the National Assembly, a legislative body the opposition says was illegally formed without their participation. Meanwhile, Rescue Party President Sam Rainsy, who is visiting key donors in Western countries, says the current government should not be recognized internationally. He told a group of Cambodian-Americans outside Washington Tuesday night that the opposition was pushing for “change” that many Cambodians wants, despite a high number unable to vote in July’s election. (Sok Khemara, Washington)