Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Ex-CNRP form political party

Ex-CNRP form political party

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Former members of the Supreme Court-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party and other activists on Thursday announced the formation of the Cambodian National Love Party. Heng Chivoan

Ex-CNRP form political party

Former members of the Supreme Court-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) and other activists on Thursday announced the formation of a new political party called the Cambodian Nation Love Party (CNLP) to continue the CNRP’s legacy and participate in future elections.

One of the party’s founders, Tin Tan, said at a press conference that they decided to form the party after receiving numerous requests from activists of the former CNRP, fellow countrymen and pro-democracy supporters.

“We are of the view that the current political situation is worsening with the government devoid of a serious opposition voice. There is a divide among those that advocate for democracy and we intend to unite them,” said Tin.

In a statement, the party said it aims to maintain CNRP’s principles – to form a new political culture, bring the citizens together, facilitate reconciliation and advocate democratic principles.

Another founder, Kheuy Sinoeun, said a request was submitted to the Ministry of Interior on Thursday to form the party. He assured that the party will adhere to the procedures the ministry requires.

He noted that although the CNLP is yet to have a clear structure, former lawmaker Chiv Cata is temporarily standing in as the party’s chairman.

Sinouen also urged the government to restore the Kingdom’s democratic space by releasing political and human rights activists and dropping the charges against former CNRP president Kem Sokha.

“I [also] implore the EU to carefully reconsider their decision to withdraw EBA so it could continue to benefit millions of Cambodians,” he said.

Cata said the party receives financial support from the founders. But he hoped to receive funding from the public and other activists, in the same way the former CNRP received such support.

At present, there are more than 40 political parties registered with the Ministry of Interior but only the ruling Cambodian People’s Party managed to take hold of all seats in the National Assembly during the 2018 national elections.

Political analyst Em Sovannara said on Thursday that the new party may not get public support.

“I think they will not get support from the people because when the CNRP was absent from the election, we saw 19 parties compete with the Cambodian People’s Party, but none of them won a seat at the National Assembly.

“This means that people don’t vote for parties which they deem untrustworthy,” he said.

Despite this, he said the formation of a new party may please the ruling party as it would add to the Kingdom’s multi-party status.

MOST VIEWED

  • Joy as Koh Ker Temple registered by UNESCO

    Cambodia's Koh Ker Temple archaeological site has been officially added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on September 17. The ancient temple, also known as Lingapura or Chok Gargyar, is located in

  • Cambodia set to celebrate Koh Ker UNESCO listing

    To celebrate the inscription of the Koh Ker archaeological site on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, the Ministry of Cults and Religion has appealed to pagodas and places of worship to celebrate the achievement by ringing bells, shaking rattles and banging gongs on September 20. Venerable

  • Ream base allegations must end, urges official

    A senior government official urges an end to the allegations and suspicions surrounding the development of Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, now that Prime Minister Hun Manet has addressed the issue on the floor of the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78). Jean-Francois Tain, a geopolitical

  • CP denied registration documents by ministry

    The Ministry of Interior will not reissue registration documents to the Candlelight Party (CP). Following a September 21 meeting between ministry secretary of state Bun Honn and CP representatives, the ministry cited the fact that there is no relevant law which would authorise it to do

  • Manet touches down in Beijing for high-level meetings

    Prime Minister Hun Manet arrived in Beijing on September 14 for his first official visit to China, where he is slated to attend the 20th China-ASEAN Expo and meet other leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping. Upon his arrival, Manet laid a wreath at the Monument

  • Cambodian diaspora laud Manet’s UN Assembly visit

    Members of the Cambodian diaspora are rallying in support of Prime Minister Hun Manet’s forthcoming visit to the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) in the US’ New York City this week. Their move is an apparent response to a recent call by self-exiled former