King Norodom Sihamoni watches a boat race during Phnom Penh’s Water Festival celebrations in November last year. In a public statement, he recently appealed the people of Cambodia to vote without political intimidation. Heng Chivoan
21 Mar, 2017 Lay Samean and Ananth Baliga
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A leaked statement from King Norodom Sihamoni circulated on social media since Sunday, nearly a month after he signed it, calls on citizens to vote for their preferred party in the upcoming elections without “worry of suppression, threats or intimidation”.
The statement, signed by the King on February 20, asks Cambodians to vote and exercise their right to a secret ballot, with CNRP official and royal family member Prince Sisowath Thomico calling it a regular pre-election appeal, similar to ones issued during the reign of King Father Norodom Sihanouk.
“But, I am very surprised the King signed it on February 20 and it was only just released,” he said.
The King is currently in China for routine medical checkups, though another decree he signed while overseas – this one bestowing honorifics on late deputy prime minister Sok An – was distributed the same day as its signing.
The King did not, however, sign recent amendments to the Law on Political Parties, also passed while he was abroad, leading some to suggest he objected to the controversial legislation.
The election remarks had circulated on social media for two days before being posted to the National Election Committee’s Facebook page yesterday. Royal family spokesmen could not be reached yesterday for information on the apparent lag between signing and dissemination.
While ruling party spokesman Sok Eysan said the King was only reminding people to feel secure in casting their ballot, CNRP Vice President Mu Sochua said the timing of the message, amid heated political tensions, would resonate with voters.
4 comments:
This king has no power just like the car has flat tires. He is a clown of ah youn. The dumbest king on earth. go back to dance or something instead sit on the throne like the rock.
Did cpp monkeys tell the ting moung king to publicly say that?. so that it makes more credible for the election to be legitimate even it is rigged.
The king should stand up and tell cpp monkeys in the face that he is not to be told what to do any more for once in his life.Stop being the ting moung king and be the people's king.
Stop insulting the King. He has been one of the better one recently. You think you can do a better job? You don't know how much pressure and difficulty he is facing.
Stop being cowards behind the internet. Stop making expectation and insult to the King. You are nothing, total losers.
I am a coward too but I respect the King. You are total cowards.
To gain people's respect, the King must exert his right and duty to help people and Cambodia.
This is a good message that he exhort Khmer people to vote without fear.
He needs to do more than just send a short message in 10 years.
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