Phnom Penh (AsiaNews/Agencies) - Tensions are rising in Cambodia, where recently re-elected Prime Minister Hun Sen and opposition leader Sam Rainsy are getting ready for a major and potentially violent showdown over allegations of vote rigging in the recent vote.
The government warned that it would hold Rainsy directly responsible if mass demonstrations he plans to lead over disputed results turned violent and threatened public security. The warning came as the authorities boosted security in the capital Phnom Penh amid concerns of possible clashes.
The ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) of Prime Minister Hun Sen (in power for 28 years) and the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) headed by opposition leader Sam Rainsy are at loggerheads. Both claim to have won in the 28 July elections that saw the CPP officially win a majority with 68 seats out of 123. The opposition has rejected the outcome blaming it on fraud.
Uneasy residents in the city are stockpiling food to prepare for any turmoil amid calls by Sam Rainsy for mass street protests if the National Election Committee (NEC), the body supervising the polls, announces official results without considering the CNRP's plea for independent, UN-backed investigation into widespread voting irregularities.
CNRP spokesman Yim Sovann said that demonstrations led by his party would be peaceful and comply with the law.
The Commission is expected to release a report with the final results between 14 August and 8 September. Hun Sen said that the new Parliament would quickly convened by the end of September and the new government formed.
Early Wednesday morning, a bomb exploded outside the Phnom Penh Municipal Court, though the blast left no injuries.
Local authorities said the blast had not been intended to hurt anyone but rather was aimed at stoking fear in the post-election period.
In response to the attack, approximately 100 members from each unit of the armed forces, military police, and national police were deployed across the city.
According to local authorities, the blast had not been intended to hurt anyone but was aimed rather at stoking fear in the post-election period.
Meanwhile, Hun Sen is preparing his succession by grooming his son Hun Many, who was just elected to parliament, as a future leader of the country.
The new legislature should also include two other "princelings", children of top officials in the ruling party. Since they were not elected outright, some elderly lawmakers are expected to resign to yield their seats.