Monitors Warn of Last-Minute Shenanigans

By Mean Veasna, VOA Khmer Original report from Phnom Penh Saturday will be an official day of rest for the candidates and voters, but a joint statement by election monitors warned Friday of last-minute attempts by political parties to bribe, cajole or threaten voters. A joint statement led by the Committee for Free and Fair Elections called the atmosphere ahead of Sunday's elections "tense and insecure," especially as a military standoff on the Thai border continues and in the wake of the murder of opposition journalist Kim Sambor. The Saturday night ahead of elections is colloquially referred to as the "Night of the Barking Dogs," when strangers move through the darkness of villages in their persuasive efforts. "Regarding these elections, civil society organizations are concerned that political parties will give money and/or... [read full story]