PEC Warns Official on Campaign Violation
The Kampot Provincial Election Committee warned Tuesday a high-ranking ruling Cambodian People's Party official not to use military veh
The Kampot provincial election committee warned Tuesday ahigh-ranking ruling Cambodian People's Party official not to use militaryvehicles during election campaigning. The warning was a result of a dispute between Sam RainsyParty Kampot candidate Mu Sochua and San Sman, Kampot's deputysecretary-general and chief of the Kampong Trach district border crossing. Mu Sochua alleged San Sman had traveled in a four-wheeldrive military vehicle bearing a CPP campaign sign on both sides, five daysinto the campaign period. "We warned him, referring to the provincial headquarteradministration, and to the Ministry of Interior, that he must not use any morefor the campaign the vehicle," said Te Chinarith, head of the PEC, whopresided over Tuesday's hearing. "If he abuses this, he will be fined 5million riel (about $1,250) and ban him from voting for 10 years." Sam Sman applauded the ruling, but Mu Sochua was not satisfied with the decision. "What the CPP official has done is too serious, and hemust not merit such a warning," she said. "He should be preventedfrom voting." The PEC decision was biased toward the CPP, which wouldimpact the election, she said, adding that she planned to appeal the ruling to the National Election Committee. Te Chinarith rejected the accusation.