An appeal by King Norodom Sihamoni to voters not to bow to intimidation from any political party or individual ahead of this Sunday’s commune council elections was released by the National Election Committee yesterday. 

“I publicly appeal for compatriots, brothers and sisters, children and grandchildren not to be scared of oppression, intimidation or threats by any individual or political party,” the statement, signed March 9, said.

NEC secretary-general Tep Nytha said they have received 10 complaints of threats and another 10 related to insulting language this election season.

Koul Panha, executive director of election monitoring group Comfrel, said the ruling Cambodian People’s Party had intimidated voters through indirect other means this election.  

“I think that even if there were less direct violence related to the election, during the campaign there is an increasing amount of violence involved in the land disputes and the image is one of indirect intimidation to the voters,” he said.

To contact the reporter on this story: Vong Sokheng at [email protected]