Phnom Penh (FN), May 2 - Cambodian government spokesman Phay Siphan clarified on Wednesday regarding cases of Nhek Bun Chhay’s release on bail and Sam Rainsy's appeal to citizens not to vote.

His clarification came after media outlets broadcasted that Nhek Bun Chhay’s release on bail aimed at easing the political situation ahead of the elections.

"Court has the rights to make decision and proceed independently on Nhek Bun Chhay's case and that is not a political issue,” Phay Siphan said.

“The issue is that the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) dissolved and its 118 members’ political rights have been cut off for five years by the Supreme Court,” he added.

The spokesman continued that Sam Rainsy’s appeal to citizens not to vote at the July’s election is a rebel movement just like the case that Khmer Rouge boycotted the national elections in 1993.

"The rebels continued to disregard the choice made by the majority […] calling for people not to vote is against the people’s will in choosing their representative. This is purely a dictated act," he said adding that the appeal was against the legitimacy of democratic institutions and state’s mechanisms.
=FRESH NEWS