Army told to stay out of politics

Army told to stay out of politics

CAMBODIA: Prime Minister Hun Sen ordered on Tuesday the armed forces and other authorities under his control to stay clear of politics ahead of next month's parliamentary elections.

Hun Sen said he wished to see participation from all of Cambodia's 23 parties during campaigning for the 27 July vote.

After decades of war, including genocide under the Khmer Rouge, Cambodia has emerged as a democracy although its previous two polls have been marred by violence and widespread allegations of voter intimidation.

Hun Sen's ruling Cambodian People's Party is expected to win next month's elections easily, but critics, including the United States, have accused the government of denying opponents access to the media. Opposition parties also say they have been subject to intimidation. --Reuters