New Opposition Party Registers With Government

  • Heng Reaksmey
    VOA Khmer

Opposition leaders Sam Rainsy and Kem Sokha in VOA Studio In Washington, DC.

The party officially filed with the government on Monday, paving the way for national parliamentary elections next year.
PHNOM PENH - The Cambodia National Rescue Party, a new collaboration among Cambodian’s political opposition, officially filed with the government on Monday, paving the way for national parliamentary elections next year.

Pol Ham, who is the deputy chair of the party’s steering committee, told reporters Monday the registration with the Ministry of Interior had gone smoothly and now the ministry has 15 days to respond with concerns.

Ministry officials could not be reached for comment.

Supporters hope the new party, which has 85 permanent members, will help increase the number of parliamen tary seats occupied by the opposition after polls are held nationwide next year.

Currently, the Sam Rainsy Party holds 26 seats, and the Human Rights Party holds three, compared to the ruling Cambodian People’s Party, which holds 90.