Cambodia bans selling, drinking alcohol during parliamentary polls

PHNOM PENH, July 12 (Xinhua) -- The government of Cambodia on Friday issued a directive to prohibit selling and drinking all types of alcohol for two days, a day before the election day and on the election day.

"To ensure a free, fair, non-violent, and no intimidation election on July 28, traders and vendors must suspend selling alcohol and all Cambodians and foreigners living in Cambodia must stop drinking alcohol--a day before the election day and on the election day," said the directive signed by Prime Minister Hun Sen.

It said the ban is in accordance with the election law in order to prevent violence, traffic accidents, offences or social disorder that can arise from alcohol drinking.

The directive ordered heads of ministries, institutions, and armed forces to instruct their subordinates and advised them to continue educating common people and foreigners to comply with the prohibition.

Lt. Gen. Kirt Chantharith, spokesman for the National Police, said recently that about 70,000 members of the security forces would be deployed during the Election Day on July 28.

Eight political parties will compete in the elections with about 9.67 million eligible voters.

Two main parties are the ruling Cambodian People's Party of incumbent Prime Minister Hun Sen and the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party led by Sam Rainsy.

Hun Sen's party is widely expected to win the majority in the forthcoming elections.

Hun Sen, 61, has been in power for 28 years and vowed to stay in the post until he's 74.

The country holds a general election in every 5 years. During the last election in July 2008, Hun Sen's party won 90 seats out of the 123 seats in the National Assembly, while the opposition group totally gained 29 seats.