cambodia reform party
NagaWorld protesters in Phnom Penh on November 11, 2022. (Lara Shaker/VOD)

Cambodian Activists Look to Joe Biden for Help During Asean

Cambodian activists and opposition politicians made a last-ditch effort to catch the attention of U.S. President Joe Biden before he arrived at the Asean Summit, hopeful that the U.S.’s self-image as a protector of democracy could help elevate their plight.

Candlelight Party vice president Son Chhay speaks to reporters after questioning at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court on July 12, 2022. (Hean Rangsey/VOD)

Opposition Parties Want NEC Overhaul, CPP Not Interested

Four political parties want an overhaul of the NEC composition, pushing for more independent members on the election body, which has skewed sharply toward the ruling CPP since the dissolution of the CNRP in 2017.

Cambodia Reform Party founder Ou Chanrath.

Ou Chanrath Interview: ‘I Don’t Want to See Cambodia Become a Second China’

If the Cambodia Reform Party were to win commune positions, it would work to empower the grassroots and ensure there is no corruption in the delivery of public services, said party founder Ou Chanrath. He had to contest this election because an uncontested ballot risked turning Cambodia into a “second China,” he said.

A Grassroots Democratic Party campaign rally for the 2017 commune election. (Heng Vichet/VOD)

Candlelight Says No to Racist Comments, CPP Will Campaign Small

The ruling CPP will not have any major rallies when the campaign period kicks off on Saturday, said a party spokesperson, while a Candlelight Party official asked members to refrain from incendiary comments even once rallies kick off.