Kung Raiya has gone to jail for seeking a “color revolution” and later for selling Kem Ley commemorative T-shirts. The prison stints initially deterred him from being politically active, but with three weeks to go for the June election he is running for commune chief in Kampong Cham.
Candlelight commune chief candidates from Koh Kong and Pailin provinces have asked courts to delay proceedings into complaints filed against them, which the party has called intimidation tactics.
Candlelight candidate Sin Rozeth is in her third campaign to become O’Char’s commune chief, after losing her seat in 2017 following the dissolution of the CNRP. The former commune chief hopes to make a comeback in June and pick up her agenda to improve the commune’s infrastructure.
The Candlelight Party has accused a Russei Keo commune chief of tearing down a party banner in the capital, with the officials claiming the billboard was erected on state land. Separately, the Candlelight Party’s provincial head in Pailin received a second court summons for incitement — part of two cases being pursued against him since last month.
The Pursat Provincial Court has released an underage son of an opposition activist on bail after a monthlong detention in relation to a charge of using illegal electric-fishing tools.
Kandal’s new airport development has raised tensions in Kandal Stung’s communes — residents have spoken about officers firing warning shots and loss of land. With the commune election a month away, Candlelight candidates are taking up the issue looking to capitalize on the growing discontent in the district.
The Candlelight Party’s vice president said their support was only growing and would “burn” away the CPP, in response to a ruling party spokesperson’s comment that the opposition party will fade away.
The minister released a letter last Friday asking government workers to be non-partisan and not conduct party activities during work hours.
Candlelight Party candidates in Phnom Penh’s Prek Liep commune allege they were offered gifts, threatened and forced to sign an NEC complaint that led to the party’s disqualification from contesting the commune.
A local police chief said the family’s claims of false evidence and political motivations were fabrications while family questions a Candlelight Party commune candidate’s fishery charges.
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