King Norodom Sihamonim, pictured watching boat races during Phnom Penh’s Water Festival celebrations last November, was in China when amendments to the Law on Political Parties were signed. Heng Chivoan
10 Mar, 2017 Erin Handley
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A raft of widely criticised amendments to the Law on Political Parties was signed in the King’s absence on Tuesday, documents circulated yesterday reveal.
The new law, which human rights observers have said is a “death knell for democracy” and a “triumph of dictatorship”, was signed by Senate President Say Chhum and circulated yesterday by Fresh News – an outlet often used by the government to disseminate documents.
King Norodom Sihamoni, whose signature marks the final step in the process for any law to be implemented, was in China for a medical checkup at the time of signing.
The new law forbids convicted criminals from holding leadership positions within a political party, and gives unprecedented powers to the Ministry of Interior, which can recommend the Supreme Court dissolve parties without an appeal. The impending amendments saw former CNRP leader Sam Rainsy resign, prompting a party leadership reshuffle.
The amendments were passed by the National Assembly, then approved by the Senate and Constitutional Council in less than three weeks.
1 comment:
King Kong Sihamoni,
You saw the newly created party law was totally wrong. You have the authority to stop it from becoming law.
Instead. you flew to China with your mother and let the monkey Say Chhum ratify that law.
Why are you so irresponsible ? If you are so irresponsible, why do you want to live ? For what ?
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