SRP president Sam Rainsy yesterday called for countries not to send observers to either next year's commune elections or the 2013 National Election, saying that to do so would validate what e called an unfair electoral process. "I appeal to accept the elections in Cambodian while the opposition leader is not present in the country. It is not a free and fair election, and I ask that those countries would not send observers to Cambodia during that time," said Mr Rainsy, speaking via videolink from Paris. Mr Rainsy's called his self-imposed exile since 2009 "a political matter that the court could not solve," and said that international pressure "would force Cambodian authorities to allow me to join the election." "If he does not accept the election results, then why does the SRP send its own observers to review voter registration this time?" said NEC Secretary-General Tep Nytha in response. The SRP has seen a loss of membership in recent weeks, with the defection of 10 members to the Human Rights Party on Oct 12. In March, SRP lawmaker Mao Monyvann moved to the HRP along with 14 other members, and five Pursat City SRP councilors defected to the HRP in August. Mr Rainsy said that even though about 30 members had left this year, it was not a concern for the party. "I do not care that 30 leave when 3,000 have joined with us. It is a personal matter for them, and those who are loyal will remain.
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