Wednesday, 13 February 2008

PM Rules Out Coalition Alternatives

By Win Thida,
VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh
12 February 2008

Thida Win reports in Khmer (567 KB) - Listen (MP3)

The ruling Cambodian People’s Party will not seek coalition partners other than Funcinpec—if it needs any at all—after national polls in July, Prime Minister Hun Sen said Monday.

“If the CPP has enough strength to form a government by itself, the CPP will do so without any political parties,” Hun Sen said, speaking at the opening ceremony of a college in Kampong Thom.

The prime minister’s announcement comes amid confidence in the opposition Sam Rainsy Party it can take a majority of seats in the elections, which are scheduled for July 27.

“The Sam Rainsy Party believes that because we serve the interests of the people, we will receive enough votes to lead the country,” opposition leader Sam Rainsy said.

The government recently passed a law requiring 50 percent of parliamentary seats plus one to form a ruling party, a change from the 66 percent of the past.

Thun Saray, president of the rights group Adhoc, said Monday the CPP had been governing the country alone for many years.

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