Documents published on Monday by the National Electoral Commission (NEC) show that sixteen other senior opposition members and activists who’re in self-exile were also faraway from the electoral rolls, banned from running for office for 20 years and fined of $2,500 each. .
It can also be illegal to obstruct the voting process or encourage voters to spoil their ballots.
Sam Rainsy, who was also fined $5,000, was sued for “being a ringleader in instructing and inciting voters to destroy or spoil ballots,” the NEC ruling said.
He and his associates could also face criminal charges, in response to the NEC.
Over the past few days, Sam Rainsy has been calling on Cambodian voters to invalidate their votes once they visit the polls on Sunday.
“With this, Cambodians can call for real elections,” he wrote on Twitter on Monday.
On Friday, two party members were arrested on charges of inciting voters to forge ballots.
According to pro-government media Fresh News, two more activists were arrested on Monday on similar charges.
Right-wing organizations accuse Hun Sen, who has ruled Cambodia for nearly 4 a long time, of using the legal system to crush opposition to his rule.
Hun Sen is looking for re-election but is predicted at hand over leadership to his eldest son, Hun Manet, in the longer term.
During his time in power, dozens of opposition politicians were convicted and imprisoned.
