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Temple row with Thailand dominates Cambodian poll
Cambodians go to the polls on Sunday in an election overshadowed by a row with neighbouring Thailand over a 900-year-old temple.
- Agencies
- Published: 09:51 July 25, 2008
Phnom Penh: Cambodians go to the polls on Sunday in an election overshadowed by a row with neighbouring Thailand over a 900-year-old temple.
The ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) and the opposition Sam Rainsy Party have jumped on the dispute surrounding the Preah Vihear temple, which sits on escarpment separating the two southeast Asian countries.
The piece of land near the temple was claimed by both countries but awarded to Cambodia in 1962 by the International Court of Justice.
However, the nationalist fervour is unlikely to affect the outcome of a vote almost certain to hand another five years in power to Hun Sen, a former Khmer Rouge guerrilla.
"The result is not in doubt," said Kek Galabru, head of Phnom Penh-based human rights group Licadho, adding that the CPP could win majority of the 123 seats in parliament.
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