A dissident group is expected to file paperwork today with the Interior Ministry marking its final step towards becoming a political party.

The application of self-exiled “terrorist” Sourn Serey Ratha’s Khmer Power Party (KPP) was scheduled to be filed yesterday, but was delayed because the group did not receive a letter confirming that it had deposited the required 3 million riel (about $738) in the National Bank of Cambodia until late in the afternoon.

“I have just received the letter of confirmation of depositing the money . . . and we have all the thumbprints, which allow us to file all documents that the Ministry of Interior requires,” KPP spokesman Tep Vireak said.

Serey Ratha said he expected the party’s application to be approved quickly.

By law, “after submitting the thumbprints and other required documents, the KPP will wait no longer than 30 days.

But I expect that it will be faster than [that] because all thumbprints and documents required [have been] read, checked and verified by me and the committee founding the KPP,” he said.

The application will come just days after King Norodom Sihamoni granted Serey Ratha – whose convictions include treason and obstructing electoral procedures – a royal pardon, excusing him of his crimes.

Serey Ratha said he plans to return to Cambodia before October 23, which marks the anniversary of the Paris Peace Agreements.

But his return hinges on the release of three men convicted alongside him who remain incarcerated.