Phnom Penh: Prime Minister Hun Sen said that his decision to amend the election law is a response to the opposition, who wants to create unrest during the election.

Speaking at a meeting with nearly 20,000 workers in Kampong Cham province this morning, the Prime Minister said that his proposed amendment to the election law had reached the National Assembly yesterday and was under review.

He said the Royal Government has called for new fines and penalties against those who discourage voting because the opposition at home and abroad wants to disturb the electoral process.

He said, "Then wait and see what else they [the opposition] do? For us, what we want is an election that is not disturbed by anyone."

The new election law would forbid anyone who does not vote in this election from running for office in future elections. After being banned from participating in July’s general election, Candlelight Party activists have called on their supporters not to go to the polls. The Prime Minister said that discouraging people from voting is a violation of their rights.