Opposition leader Sam Rainsy asked the National Election Committee to re-list him as both a voter and election candidate yesterday.

In a letter sent to NEC president Im Suosdey, Rainsy noted that since he had now been pardoned from the convictions that led him to be stripped of both privileges, the reasons those actions were taken had been voided.

“I would like Excellency [Im Suosdey] to look at the possibility of re-inserting my name,” Rainsy wrote, asking that he be permitted to run as a lawmaker in Kandal province.

Suosdey could not be reached for comment, but secretary-general Tep Nytha said NEC officials would meet to “decide according to its rights based on the law on election”.

Nytha has repeatedly said the NEC’s arms are tied when it comes to the question of re-listing Rainsy and stressed that the body cannot do so unless the laws are amended.

Rainsy returned to Cambodia on Friday, one week after being granted a Royal pardon that overturned more than a decade of prison sentences.