A ruling party lawmaker yesterday dismissed days of claims by the opposition that this year’s council elections will see a number of secret defections when it comes to the polls.

Chheang Vun, a lawmaker with the Cambodian People’s Party, said opposition leader Sam Rainsy had been “lying” to supporters in his speeches.

“He is lying to people [by saying] that members of the Cambodian People’s Party support him and will vote for him. What does he dare to bet if what he says is untrue?”

Vun said.

He added that CPP members are honest with each other and would never switch allegiances.

During a campaign trip to Battambang yesterday, Cambodia National Rescue Party leaders Sam Rainsy, Kem Sokha and Mu Sochua were joined by thousands of supporters on a pre-agreed route through the city.

Addressing the crowd, Rainsy said councillors previously loyal to the CPP have wised up to the poor conditions that exist under its rule and will vote for the CNRP.

Deputy leader Sokha pledged to bring the council vote to the masses rather than leave it in the hands of councillors if the CNRP takes control of the country.

In Phnom Penh, hundreds of supporters joined a motorcade in support of the opposition.