Cambodian Parliament amends law to stop anyone convicted from running for office
Many political experts believe the amendment is aimed at avoiding any kind of opposition that is likely to thwart the rule of Prime Minister Hun Sen.
Cambodia is scheduled to go for local elections in June and the general elections next year.
Media reported that the ruling Cambodian People's Party voted to change the 1998 election law to ban parties that engage in activities that include incitement, promoting secession or anything that could harm national security.
Politicians convicted by a court are banned from standing for election and their parties can be dissolved, reports said.
The amended law would exclude veteran opposition leader Sam Rainsy, who has been convicted of a series of defamation charges, from taking part in the elections.
Rainsy lives in exile in France since 2015 and claims the charges against him are politically motivated, reports said.
Rainsy resigned from the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) in February saying that he did not want his party banned in the face of the potential amendment.
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