Cambodia’s political rivals have held talks, a day after protests in Phnom Penh over contested election results left one person dead. Prime Minister Hun Sen, who has been in power for 28 years, met opposition leader Sam Rainsy on Monday. They issued a joint statement promising more talks, election commission reform and a non-violent end to the dispute. The opposition has accused the ruling party of widespread fraud in July’s general election. According to results from the National Election Commission, Hun Sen’s Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) won 68 seats to the CNRP’s 55 seats – a greatly reduced majority. The opposition says the vote was rigged and wants an independent inquiry. It also says it will boycott the opening of parliament on 23 September. Despite the joint statement, the central issues of the disputed election and the opposition’s threat to boycott parliament remain unresolved, says the BBC’s Jonah Fisher in neighbouring Bangkok.
The talks followed reports of sporadic clashes on Sunday, as thousands of opposition supporters demonstrated in the capital. During the day, tens of thousands of supporters gathered peacefully to hear Sam Rainsy speak.
Some demonstrators left Freedom Park, the area designated for the protest, and tried to remove roadblocks that blocked access to the Royal Palace.
This led to clashes with the police, although calm was restored after Mr Rainsy met the crowd and urged a return to Freedom Park, reports said.
Later in the day, more violent clashes erupted at a bridge in Phnom Phenh. One man died after being shot in the head, activists and a human rights group said. At least six other people were reported injured.
Full Article: BBC News – Cambodia talks after election protest clashes.