The opposition Sam Rainsy Party yesterday claimed a ruling Cambodian People’s Party official in Battambang province’s Banorn district had paid SRP commune council members as much as US$800 to vote for CPP at the upcoming senate election, an accusation he denied.

Sor Chandeth, SRP deputy president in Battambang province and a  senate candidate, said former SRP member Heng Chanthoun, who had defected to the Human Rights Party, had taken five SRP commune council members to meet with Ouk Vong, CPP president of Battambang provincial council.

He said the SRP commune council members met with Ouk Vong in the CPP office and were offered bribes of $500 to $800 for their votes.

Sor Chandeth said they had accepted the money, but would not vote for CPP.

Keo Sovannrith told the Post a CPP official had paid him.

“The first time they gave $300; the second, they gave $500, the third; they gave $700 each,” he said.

Ouk Vong dismissed the allegations, claiming there was no reason for CPP to buy votes, but said that during an election campaign, each party had the right to persuade members of other parties to vote for it.

“I would like to affirm that I have never given money to anyone.”

Heng Chanthoun could not be reached for comment.