Demonstrators call for fair elections

About 5,000 protesters gathered in Phnom Penh on Monday (May 20) in an opposition-led demonstration, calling for a fair general election.

The acting president and leaders of the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), marched with supporters to the EU and the UN office to submit its petition for international assistance to monitor the election on July 28.

The petition also urged the international community not to recognize an illegitimate election result.

Cambodian leader Hun Sen has tolerated little dissent since consolidating power in a 1997 coup but has brought stability and economic growth to Cambodia.

Hun Sen, a former Khmer Rouge soldier regarded as a shrewd tactician, is on course to remain one of the world's longest-serving leaders after the July 28 election, that his critics say are heavily skewed in his favour.