Cambodia’s opposition party to hold extraordinary congress

 

Phnom Penh (VNA) - The opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) has has announced to hold an extraordinary congress on April 25 to consider amending its statute and re-elect vice presidents in line with the party’s regulations.

This is the latest the CNRP’s in response to meet the Interior Ministry’s request as the agency issued statements refusing to recognise the CNRP’s new leadership (on March 23) and the party’s three new vice presidents (on April 5).

Earlier, the party held an extraordinary congresses on March 2 to amend articles 45 and 47 of the party’s statute, removing an 18-month moratorium on appointing a new president and changing the structure of the party’s leadership.

The congress also saw Kem Sokha named as president after Sam Rainsy stepped down on February 11. The move aimed to avoid the risk of the dissolution of the CNRP.

However, the Interior Ministry has not recognised CNRP’s three vice presidents Pol Hom, My Sochua and Eng Chhay Eang, saying that the election was contrary to the party’s regulations.

According to the new 47 Article, the party has to convene its extraordinary congress to elect new president and vice presidents no later than 30 days since its president resigned.

The slogan “exchanging commune chiefs who serve their party with commune chiefs who serve the people” were officially scrapped from its communal election campaign in June as requested by the ministry.-VNA