Cambodian prince calls on eligible people to cast ballots on July 28

PHNOM PENH, July 17 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prince Norodom Ranariddh, President of the Supreme Privy Advisory Council to King Norodom Sihamoni, appealed Wednesday to the electorate to cast their ballots for any party that protects the monarchic regime honestly. "I urge Cambodian people to vote for any party whose leader is loyal to maintain and protect the constitutional monarchy and throne as stated in the constitution in 1993," the prince said in an appeal letter.

Ranariddh, who was former co-prime minister and ex-president of the National Assembly, also expressed his gratitude to Cambodian people for the spirits of the affections of the nation, religion and king.

Eight political parties will contest in the national polls on July 28 with about 9.67 million eligible voters.

Among those parties are ruling Cambodian People's Party of incumbent Prime Minister Hun Sen, the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party of recently-pardoned leader Sam Rainsy and the royalist Funcinpec Party led Princess Norodom Arun Rasmey, the youngest daughter of late King Father Norodom Sihanouk.

It is widely expected that Hun Sen's party will definitely win the majority vote in the upcoming elections.

One of the world's longest-serving leaders, Hun Sen, 61, has been in power for 28 years and vowed to stay in the post until he' s 74.

During last election in July 2008, Hun Sen's party won 90 seats out of the 123 seats in the National Assembly, the opposition group gained a total of 29 seats, and the royalist group four seats.

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