With Leaked Tape, New Woes for Opposition

 

Human Rights Party president Kem Sokha addresses journalists at the party's headquarter. (Photo: by Heng Reaksmey)

In a phone interview, Kem Sokha said the leaked tape was in fact an attempt to weaken his own party, although he did not elaborate.

Both of the country’s opposition parties are now ensnared in a number of challenges as they prepare to face elections in the next two years, analysts said this week.

The Sam Rainsy Party’s leader is already in exile over a number of criminal charges he says are politically motivated.

And now the president of the minority opposition Human Rights Party, Kem Sokha, is facing a challenge to his credibility, after a recording was leaked to the media in which he appears to be colluding with Prime Minister Hun Sen to divide the opposition.

Kem Sokha has denied any collaboration with the ruling Cambodian People Party, but the allegations come amid a continued failure by both parties to unite.

Hang Puthea, executive director for the Neutral and Impartial Committee for free and Fair Elections in Cambodia, said that all the parties are looking head to the election campaign, “so any picture can happen.”