Cambodia will mobilize 80,000 security personnel to protect election day.
Tens of thousands of Cambodian police and soldiers have been mobilized to deal with disturbances during this weekend's election.
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Phnom Penh Governor Khuong Sreng (second from right) arrives at a Cambodian armed forces rehearsal at the Olympic Stadium today, ahead of the weekend election. Photo:Reuters. |
Cambodian police today received orders to arrest anyone causing "political chaos" during the general election set for July 29.About 80,000 security personnel including police and military will be deployed to maintain order, according toAFP.
Phnom Penh capital police today held a parade to show off their strength.at the Olympic Stadium, with the participation of4,625 security personnel wearing bulletproof vests and carrying rifles, according toReuters.
Phnom Penh Police Chief Chuon Sovann said all of these police will be deployed to maintain security and prevent any street protests on election day. "All of these forces have the duty to prevent, stop and suppress any activities that could affect the election," Mr. Sovann emphasized.
Chuon Sovann said police must be ready to "prevent acts of terrorism and political chaos", adding that they must also deal with "activities of the opposition and its accomplices at home and abroad who are trying to sabotage the election".
Prime Minister Hun Sen's Cambodian People's Party is expected to win the election easily,after the country's largest opposition party, the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), was dissolved last year.