Cambodian PM vows to lead gov't till term end despite opposition boycott

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said Tuesday that he would lead the government for the fifth legislature of the National Assembly until the end of term in 2018 regardless of ongoing boycott of parliament from the opposition party.

"You join the National Assembly or not, it's up to you," he said during the celebration of National Fish Day in western Kampong Chhnang province.

The prime minister said that currently the sustainability of the state and regularity of the people's socio-economic life was firmly guaranteed.

"The country has not been in any political deadlocks at all," he said. "I will lead (the government) until 2018 and then organize the next elections."

Political dispute between the prime minister's Cambodian People 's Party (CPP) and the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party ( CNRP) has simmered since July last year when the results of a general election showed that the CPP won 68 parliamentary seats against 55 seats for the CNRP.

The CNRP has refused to accept the election outcome it says was marred by fraud, and it has boycotted parliament to demand an electoral reform and an early election by 2016.

Hun Sen said the next polls will not be held before February 2018.