Interesting times here in the capital.

 

Riverside area late on Sunday night.

These are interesting times indeed for Cambodia as opposition supporters struggle to accept the election results held in July

Back on the 28th July 2013 elections were held with the Ruling Party, the Cambodians People Party (CPP) looking to extend their dominant rule. Cambodia's leader Hun Sen is the longest serving leader in SE Asia, ruling Cambodia for the last 28 years. The prime minister has repeatedly vowed to stay in power until he is in his seventies.

In the July vote, the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) won 68 seats, compared with 55 for the opposition - Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) led by Sam Rainsy. This is the most seats ever won by the CNRP and one of the few times since the 1970's that the CPP cannot form government alone. However the opposition have refused to accept the results and have accused the Prime Minister of rigging the vote and widespread corruption.  There has been many claims of people not being able to vote, names not being on the register, others voting in their place, and some people voting more than once. They believe they were cheated of 2.5million votes.

Sam Rainsy, leader of the oppostion party (CNRP)

The National Election Committee (NEC) confirmed the results earlier this month.

With all state institutions - including the NEC - allegedly under the thumb of Hun Sen, protests are the only way opposition supporters can challenge the result, correspondents say.

So, in the recent weeks there have peaceful demonstrations and rallies by the opposition as the date for the opening session of Parliament, September 23 draws near. Meetings between both leaders and adjudicated by the King in an attempt to reach a compromise have failed to reach a resolution. The opposition refuse to discuss forming a government until their demands for an impartial investigation into election irregularities are met.

And so the 3 day planned protest by opposition supporters began.

 

 

Gathering of supporters in Freedom Park

Sunday saw large crowds of up to 30,000 march into the city centre and gather at Freedom Park. Barricades, road blocks and riot police patrolled major thoroughfares into the city centre. What began as a peaceful demonstration, unfortunately saw some protesters break through barricades and violent clashes with police ensued.

 

Unrest in Phnom Penh

One person was shot dead and several others were badly injured.

As the opposition supporters vow to continue their protest, both leaders plan to again meet today to try and resolve the political deadlock.

Hopefully some peaceful compromise and stability will be the result as this country has already suffered such a terrible violent history, not that long ago.

Although there is some tension around we are all completely safe and not threatened at all. We are advised to stay away from the mass gatherings and remain close to home. The biggest impact on us has been that the kids school has been closed because of its location on one of the major roads, and I am therefore trying to channel my inner home schooling teacher versus watching another movie!

With our political focus also on the recently contended elections back home, which on the whole were conducted in mostly a civil manner, it makes us again appreciate how lucky we are to be Australian and belong to a free and fair democracy.

 

PS. With a consular officer as a husband and being advised to stay away from the drama I can't lay claim to the photos in this blog. These images have all been lifted from the internet.