Top cop issues poll warning

Top cop issues poll warning

CAMBODIA: Cambodia's top cop Hok Lundy on Tuesday ordered the armed forces to leave their guns at home on polling day but warned any violent protests in the aftermath of Sunday's national elections would be met with force.

He said his troops must comply and that no guns would be allowed near polling booths while the police and military must also ensure security for voters, political activists, local and international election monitors.

"Your duty will not be over until after the elections and your duty will have to be fulfilled until the new government is formed," he declared to reporters.

He said large political rallies were expected in the capital on Friday, the last day of official election campaigning.

But Hok Lundy also warned that in a post-electoral environment his men would be armed with police dogs, tear gas and electric batons which would be used if political activists protested the result in a violent fashion. --AFP