The Cambodian government has issued a directive to ban the selling and drinking of all types of alcohol on July 22-23, as the Southeast Asian country holds a general election.
According to a directive signed by Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen on Friday, the prohibition aims at preventing social disorder and ensuring that the July 23 election will be held in a free and fair atmosphere without violence and intimidation, China.org.cn reports.
“All Cambodians, foreigners, traders and vendors in Cambodia… must suspend selling and drinking alcohol a day before the election day and on the election day from July 22 to 23,” the directive said.
Eighteen political parties will contest in Sunday’s election for the 125 seats in the National Assembly, the National Election Committee (NEC) said, adding that more than 9.7 million people are eligible to cast their ballots.
In the last general election held five years ago, the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) of Hun Sen won all 125 seats in the National Assembly.
