Update | Cambodian opposition leader returns amid tension, urges end to deadlock
Cambodian premier Hun Sen's rival cuts short overseas trip to demand politicians' release
Cambodia's opposition leader yesterday called for an end to a year-long political crisis, after a slew of arrests of strongman premier Hun Sen's rivals triggered international alarm.
Thousands of people turned out to greet Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) head Sam Rainsy, who cut short an overseas trip in response to an escalating crackdown on the opposition.
Sam Rainsy demanded the release of eight CNRP politicians facing insurrection charges "immediately and without conditions". "We must find a political resolution because our country has been in deadlock for a year," he told his supporters.
The opposition has boycotted parliament since a contested election in July last year that triggered allegations of vote-rigging. Analysts say the arrests could be an attempt by Hun Sen's ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) to push the opposition to return to mainstream politics.
"I have a plan and the willingness to resolve the political dispute," Sam Rainsy said, adding that he aimed to break the stalemate by the July 28 anniversary of the polls. He called for the creation of a new election body that would include CNRP members to ensure there is no fraud or vote stealing in the future.
He also demanded a new election be held "the sooner the better", after the reform of the National Election Committee, which has been accused of bias in favour of the ruling party.
