Three political parties formed an alliance yesterday with the goals of improving democracy in Cambodia and winning seats in the next national elections.

Khmer Anti-Poverty Party President Daran Kravanh, Society of Justice Party President Pen Vano and Democratic Society Party President Thorng Sovannara yesterday announced they had formed the National Alliance Committee, which would fight for democracy and justice.

“Even though international communities provide considerable assistance year after year, Khmer citizens have not been able to escape from poverty,” a statement from the leaders reads.

“In addition, corruption in selling state property, human rights abuse, land grabbing, forest destruction and injustice in society have been becoming extremely widespread.”

The statement pushes for “solidarity of the Khmer nation” as a way of resolving problems, achieving free and fair elections, as well as ending poverty.

The alliance hopes to extend its reach to other democratic parties and groups in Cambodia and around the world in an attempt to win the upcoming national election, which will take place in 2013.