The Cambodian Supreme Court has ruled against the main opposition party, the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), upholding a ruling by the Supreme Court of Appeal that denied the party official registration for the upcoming July national elections, effectively barring it from contesting.
The decision came after the CNRP appealed a lower court ruling that had blocked its attempt to register officially, alleging that the decision was politically motivated and designed to prevent the party from contesting the elections. The court also denied the CNRP’s request for an injunction to stay the ruling and allow the party to continue its registration process.
CNRP Deputy President Mu Sochua expressed her shock and disappointment at the ruling, saying she believed it was politically motivated and was an example of the ruling party CPP’s disregard for freedom of expression and access to democracy. She also called on members of the international community to intervene in the matter to ensure that the current “deep-rooted” political oppression in Cambodia is properly addressed.
The court’s ruling comes days after the European Union threatened to withdraw financial aid to the country if the government fails to create a “level playing field” for all parties ahead of the July elections.