Cambodia's opposition leader Sam Rainsy is appealing to the New Zealand Government to join calls for a re-run of last year's elections in Cambodia, which he claims were rigged.
Sam Rainsy appealed for New Zealand Government involvement. Photo: SUPPLIED
The incumbent Cambodia People's Party won 68 seats in the elections in July last year - a greatly reduced majority - while the opposition garnered 55 seats.
The opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), headed by Mr Rainsy, has accused the ruling party of widespread electoral fraud and said there was no scrutiny of vote-counting.
Mr Rainsy told a fundraising event in Wellington on Saturday he had asked the Australian Government to lead an international investigation into the elections.
"We are very grateful to the people and to the Government of New Zealand for their support for democracy in Cambodia. We really hope that Wellington will be more involved in supporting democracy in our part of the world."
He said he would like New Zealand to join the cause and will make the request through its embassy in Bangkok.
Prime Minister Hun Sen has rejected allegations that the election was tainted by electoral fraud and his government has dismissed the opposition's demand for an independent inquiry.
