A Cambodian Nation Love Party press conference was held in Phnom Penh on Thursday. Heng Chivoan
The Ministry of Interior has agreed in principle to allow former Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) officials and activists to create a party after they received political rehabilitation.
They are required to prepare documents under the law for the official registration of the new Cambodian Nation Love Party (CNLP), it said.
The Ministry of Interior replied to a letter submitted last Monday by representatives of former CNRP officials led by Kheur Sinoeun requesting the party’s registration.
“The Ministry of Interior allows the creation of the Cambodian Nation Love Party with its headquarters in Tuol Roka 1 village, Chak Angre Krom commune, in Phnom Penh’s Meanchey district, in accordance with the regulations stipulated in Article 9 of the Law on Political Parties.
“To obtain validity and be able to carry out activities in accordance with the Law on Political Parties, the Cambodian Nation Love Party must apply to be registered with the Ministry of Interior in accordance with Articles 9 and 20, and new Articles 14 and 19 of the Law on Political Parties,” said the letter from Minister of Interior Sar Kheng to Sinoeun.
Sinoeun told The Post on Tuesday that he planned to call members to a meeting next week to prepare the documents as per the law and have the party officially registered with the ministry.
“We will then collect 4,000 thumbprints and draw up the party’s internal statutes and structure, as well as policy.
“I don’t think collecting 4,000 thumbprints will be difficult [because] we will get them from the former CNRP supporters who continue to support us,” Sinoeun said.
He said the CNLP would continue the spirit of national rescue, with its vision and goals taken from the former CNRP, while other aims would be drafted in response to the current political situation.
The CNLP, he said, would adhere to the principle of non-violence and take part in politics as per the Cambodian Constitution.
Former CNRP leaders set to join the new party with Sinoeun include Chiv Cata, Sim Sovanny, Kang Kimhak and Tan Tin.
Political analyst Lao Mong Hay said that rather than being of note, the development was just an ordinary case of people exercising their right to engage in politics.
