Spokesperson and Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice has reaffirmed the legality of the Phnom Penh Municipal Election Commission (PEC) which fined 17 opposition officials and banned them from standing for election.

The spokesperson, H.E. Chin Malin confirmed the legal perspective on July 18 related to spoiled ballot incitement found by PEC that can also implicate the Candlelight Party.

The 17 opposition officials, including self-exiled Mr. Sam Rainsy already convicted in many lawsuits, have been found guilty of violating the amended Election Law and other criminal provisions.

According to H.E. Chin Malin, PEC’s ruling of a fine of 20 million Riel (about US$5,000) for Mr. Sam Rainsy and 10 to 20 million Riels for the other 16 officials and a ban against them running for office from 20 to 25 years was well grounded in the law.

Article 142 of the Law on Amendment to the Election Law, as explained by the spokesperson, states that those who incite people who have the right to vote not to go to cast their vote or to destroy the ballot papers are considered guilty of an offence punishable by a fine of between 5 and 20 million Riel and having their name dropped from the voter list.

They are also banned from standing for election for up to 25 years.

Some of the opposition officials have confessed they carried out the spoiled ballot incitement after being ordered by Mr. Sam Rainsy and some officials of the Candlelight Party.

With that, continued H.E. Chin Malin, the Candlelight Party, if found guilty, will have to face penalties under the Law on Political Parties, let alone other criminal penalties.

Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse