NO TIME FOR POLITICS

This cyclo driver seems unconcerned about political tensions as he naps

under a party poster-covered tree. Cambodians more fired-up about the

election have been beating the streets for their favorite parties.

It was another hot day on the campaign trail for Rin Chetra. The canvasser for the

Khmer Democratic Party had been out every day for the past week, passing out leaflets

on the streets of Phnom Penh.

"On every day of the campaign I walked to the markets and other crowded areas,

distributing these leaflets to the people," he said, pausing to take a handkerchief

from his pocket and wipe the sweat from his face. "We do not force the people,

we just give them leaflets, supporting or not is up to them."

With its mini-convoy of two trucks and 10 motorbikes, the Khmer Democratic Party

has passed out nearly 60,000 leaflets since the June 25 start of the campaign.

Its strategy is not much different from that of its rivals. Many of the 39 parties

contesting the vote have produced leaflets, posters, T-shirts and caps with their

logos.

Supporters have been traveling Phnom Penh in convoys of motorbikes and trucks equipped

with loudspeakers, and the city's trees, fences and walls have been plastered with

the posters and stickers of several parties.

Moul Virak, a steering committee member for the Free Development Republican Party,

claimed that so far his party has distributed 100,000 leaflets.

"On the streets, we distribute leaflets and logos to the people... We go into

the markets and distribute to the vendors as well as the customers," he said,

adding the party's platform focuses on economic issues.

"Our party has good relation with the USA. If we win there will be more US investment

to come to Cambodia, and poverty alleviation is our main priority," Virak said.

Election campaign: Sangkum Thmei Party

 

Cambodia National Sustaining Party campaigning in Phnom Penh.

 

Election campaign: CPP

 

Funcinpec rally

 

Election campaign: Funcinpec

 

Election campaign: Free Development Republican Party.