Cambodian opposition MP starts election campaign

Cambodian opposition party Member of Parliament and human rights advocate Mu Sochua commenced her campaign in Battambang in the run-up to the commune elections to be held in early June.

The campaign convoy started near Psar Nath, one of Battambang's main markets, and wound its way through the streets. Mu Sochua stopped a few times at other streetside markets to give speeches and meet with local people before moving to a temple several kilometres from town for a refreshment break.

Supporters wearing white t-shirts and caps printed with the Sam Rainsy Party logo took part in the convoy, riding motor scooters, cars and trucks through the outskirts of Battambang to the temple in Ek Phnom district

After the break, the convoy resumed its trip through the province.

Mu Sochua was a member of Prime Minister Hun Sen's Cambodian People's Party until January of 2004 when she left to join the opposition Sam Rainsy Party. While in the Cambodian People's Party, Mu Sochua served as Minister for Womens' Affairs, a post she held from 1998 until her resignation from the government party.

During that time, she fought extensively for women's rights in rural Cambodia and battled human trafficking. She is a renowned advocate for human rights, and this is the platform upon which her political campaign is built.