SAM Rainsy Party Deputy Secretary General Mu Sochua says she has taken up a post in Battambang as part of an attempt to erode the influence of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party.

“We only have one competitor – the CPP. The SRP already knows this; therefore, we must prepare our forces from the grassroots up to the national level,” she said Monday.

“I am moving to Battambang, and I will dare to sacrifice my life for democracy.”

Mu Sochua said she will replace SRP lawmaker Eng Chhay Eang, who is being transferred to Kandal province. The party says it has not decided who will take the vacated seat in her native Kampot province.

Although SRP President Sam Rainsy was sentenced in January to two years’ prison for his role in the uprooting of border markers and faces new charges of disinformation and falsifying documents, Mu Sochua said the party is as strong as ever.

However, Chheang Von, a CPP parliamentarian for Battambang, said that Mu Sochua would fail to attract popular support.

“Mu Sochua is not stronger than the others. How many people in Battambang know Mu Sochua?” he said. “There is nothing to be afraid of.”

At the July 2008 national election, the CPP clinched six of Battambang’s eight National Assembly seats. The SRP holds the remaining two.