Local branches of the CNRP and CPP in Banteay Meanchey province have been feuding since Wednesday over whether the opposition party should be allowed to plant a promotional sign in the ground above a storm drain.
Chao Veasna, the second deputy chief of Poipet commune in Poipet City, on Wednesday morning led a group of CNRP officials to replace an old party sign with a new one, but they were blocked by CPP commune chief Not Ly and a group of 10 other commune officials, according to both men.
Mr. Ly said the opposition was improperly trying to place the sign above the storm drain, which could lead to blockage.
“We are not being self-interested by not allowing them to put up their sign there,” he said.
“If they put the sign there, it will cause a blockage in the sewage system and there will be flooding.”
Mr. Ly added that any resident who felt compelled to remove or damage the CNRP’s new sign would not face punishment. Mr. Veasna said there was no way the sign could affect the sewage system.
“Water flows into the sewers, not above them, so it’s not a problem.”
