Tuesday, 8 July 2008

Alcohol Banned During Election Weekend In Cambodia

PHNOM PENH, July 8 (Bernama) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has ordered a ban on selling alcohol at bars and restaurants over the national election weekend later this month.

The ban will be in operation for 48 hours beginning at midnight July 26 until 11:59 p.m. on the election day, July 27, China's Xinhua news agency quoted an official statement as saying on Tuesday.

"Cambodian and foreign citizens must cooperate with the government," said Hun Sen.

The action is being instituted to ensure the vote proceeds in a non-violent fashion, without intimidation, threats and other incidents associated with excessive alcohol consumption, the premier said in the statement.

"Military police, police and local authorities at all levels must educate people to implement this directive, to suspend the selling or drinking of alcohol so as the election would be free, fair and non-violent," he said.

Cambodians will cast ballots for the parliamentary election on July 27. All 11 parties will compete for 123 seats at the National Assembly. Two of them merged here Monday in order to have more seats.

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