Kampong Thom provincial authorities blocked Sam Rainsy Party officials’ plans to hold a non-violent demonstration today to call attention to frequent power outages, according to an official letter from deputy governor Sorm Sophath obtained by the Post.

The letter, which was sent to SRP senator and provincial party president Men Sothavarin on behalf of provincial governor Chhun Chhorn, said holding such a demonstration could affect security and public order for the upcoming commune elections.

“For electricity, the province will have a discussion with the company and the Cambodian Electric Authority to find an appropriate resolution soon,” the letter stated.

Men Sothavarin called the provincial authorities’ refusal illegal, saying it demonstrated a lack of sensitivity to residents’ problems.

He added that the SRP would comply with the provincial authority’s ruling, but would go ahead with the demonstration if improvements were not made.

Sok Try, a villager in Kampong Svay district’s Trapaing Reussey commune, complained that the daily outages made business difficult and said he would participate if the SRP carried out its demonstration.

To contact the reporter on this story: Meas Sokchea at [email protected]