Opposition Human Rights Party president Kem Sokha met with the UN special rapporteur Surya Subedi yesterday, voicing concern over what he alleged was political intimidation and human rights abuse by the ruling Cambodian People’s Party.

Speaking to reporters after the closed-door session between the two leaders yesterday, the HRP president said he had complained to Surya Subedi that the CPP was blocking HRP meetings, threatening supporters and preventing it from displaying party signs.

“The HRP wants to join the election, but we want the international community to help ensure that the elections are free, fair and just,” Kem Sokha said. “We want the National Election Committee to be independent,” the president added, saying that Surya Subedi had promised to look into it.

He said Surya Subedi had also affirmed the international community’s commitment to ensuring Cambodia had free elections.

Council of Ministers spokesman Phay Siphan dismissed Kem Sokha’s allegations and the meeting with Surya Subedi yesterday as a public relations stunt.