A Sam Rainsy Party member attacked a member of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party with a knife on Sunday during a drinking session immediately following the commune election in Kampong Cham province, Prey Chhor district police said yesterday.

“The case was not politically motivated, but was caused by rancour,” said district police chief Keo Seng Hoan.

He added that the victim, 40-year-old So Phoeun, and the alleged attacker, Mach Chhai, 30, are relatives and frequently quarrel with each other.

Keo Seng Hoan said the dispute flared up less than an hour after the election, when So Phoeun had been drinking with neighbours at a restaurant near the election office.

Mach Chhai soon joined the group and, after becoming involved in an argument, allegedly cut So Phoeun’s right wrist before fleeing the scene.

The attack took place during the two-day alcohol ban issued by Prime Minister Hun Sen.

The victim was hospitalised and the suspect was still on the run yesterday.

To contact the reporter on this story: Lieng Sarith at [email protected]