When the nation went to the polls last month, many turned against the Cambodian People’s Party.

In the days since, villagers have complained about CPP officials and supporters turning against them, seeking retribution for not supporting Prime Minister Hun Sen’s bid for re-election.

In a statement released on Monday, a coalition of NGOs, including the Cambodian Human Rights Action Committee and Adhoc, spoke out against the alleged intimidation.

“We ... are deeply concerned over the allegations of intimidation, reprisal and threats amongst some people,” it says. “Civil society groups have observed that some [voters] ... have been facing intimidation and threats from local authorities for not voting for the [CPP].”

The NGOs urged both major parties to put in place measures to deal with intimidation.

Phay Siphan, Council of Ministers spokesman, said stories of government officials intimidating villagers were “rumour” but urged anyone with complaints to make official reports.