Cambodian opposition leader returns home.

Sam Rainsy's return is expected to help the opposition gain more seats in the Cambodian parliament in the upcoming elections.

This morning, Sam Rainsy, the opposition leader in Cambodia, returned to the country after nearly four years in exile in France. His pardon and return are considered positive developments, ensuring that the Cambodian National Assembly elections for the fifth term will be held fairly, democratically, and transparently on July 28th.

Sam Rainsy was pardoned by Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni last week, allowing him to return to his country ahead of the 5th National Assembly elections without serving more than 11 years in prison for vandalizing border markers and distributing fake maps of the border between Cambodia and Vietnam.

Sam Rainsy (photo: Phnom Penh Post)

The opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party mobilized approximately 40,000 members to welcome Sam Rainsy from the airport, combined with a show of force and campaigning marches in the streets of Phnom Penh. Sam Rainsy's return is expected to help the opposition gain more seats in the Cambodian National Assembly in the upcoming elections. However, most predictions suggest that the ruling Cambodian People's Party will continue its overwhelming victory.

Duch Thong, 61, a resident of Phnom Penh, shared that he welcomed Sam Rainsy's return to the country to participate in the elections, as it demonstrates the Cambodian government and People's Party's policy of national unity and reconciliation. However, he believes that Sam Rainsy's return is unlikely to change the country's development path under the leadership of the People's Party of Cambodia.

Mr. Duch Thong said: “For over 30 years, having gone through war and rebuilt the country from scratch, the Cambodian People's Party has helped improve the lives of the people and develop society in all fields. I believe the Cambodian People's Party will win the election. Not only I, but a large number of Cambodian people will support it. Older people like me, those who have experienced various social regimes, have seen that no regime has brought about such strong development as the government under the leadership of the Cambodian People's Party.”

On July 17, the Cambodian National Election Committee (NEC) reaffirmed that, as the chairman of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party, Sam Rainsy is permitted to participate in campaigning activities for the party until the election day. However, Sam Rainsy is not allowed to vote or run for office because his name is not on the approved voter and candidate lists.

According to VOV - DT