PHNOM PENH: The Candlelight Party, founded in association with exiled opposition leader Sam Rainsy, is mired in controversy once more after two members were arrested this week in connection to reports of people inciting the public to invalidate their ballots by incorrectly marking them. Those arrested have confessed that they were following the orders of Sam Rainsy, despite repeated claims from the Candlelight Party that it is no longer associated with Rainsy.
On July 16, Candlelight Party Executive, Ly Ry, and Acting Chairman of the Phnom Penh Candlelight Party, Bun Kate, went to court to face accusations that they tried to convince people to invalidate their votes on July 23, in protest of the National Election Committee’s refusal to allow the Candlelight Party to run in this election.
Following the arrests, the Candlelight Party issued a letter stating that the arrests were only done to threaten the party’s activities. "The Candlelight Party calls on the authorities to release Ly Ry and Bun Kate so that they can reunite with their families and continue their political activities with the Candlelight Party," the letter said.
Bun Kate issued a video confession the same day which was made public on Prime Minister Hun Sen’s Telegram channel. In the video, he said his actions were meant to incite people to destroy their ballots on the instruction of Sam Rainsy.
"Recently, I received an order from convicted criminal Sam Rainsy to encourage people to participate in the election for July 23, 2023 by crossing out their ballots, which is contrary to the will of the people. As mentioned above, please forgive me for wrongdoing in the past,” he said.
The PM commented on his Telegram that despite the Candlelight Party’s insistence that it respects state procedures, its members are committing crimes in the name of Sam Rainsy. "Is the Candlelight Party going to take responsibility for this?” he asked.
The newly amended election law that went into effect a few weeks ago stipulates that those who incite voters to destroy or damage their ballots will be fined 5 million to 20 million (about $1,200-$4,800) by the National Election Committee before other criminal charges are considered. The law also states that political parties that commit the same offense may be disqualified from participating in the election for at least five years.
NEC spokesman Hang Puthea told EAC News that so far the NEC has received 11 complaints regarding incitement to destroy ballots. He added that the process of resolving complaints is currently underway at the provincial/capital NEC committees.
"[If found guilty], the NEC has a fine of 5 to 20 million Riels according to the law, and the law also states that this does not take into account other penalties committed by the person concerned," he said.
When asked about the strength of the case against the arrested Candlelight Party members, he confirmed that it is not yet possible to determine the outcome, as it is pending further investigation.
