Cambodian opposition rises from the ashes ahead of local elections

FILE PHOTO: Self-exiled Cambodian opposition party founder Sam Rainsy speaks to members of media after a visit to Parliament House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 12, 2019. REUTERS/Lim Huey Teng

PHNOM PENH (Reuters) - Speaking from the back of a pickup truck decked out with campaign posters and loudspeakers, veteran politician Son Chhay is determined to convince voters that democracy in Cambodia is not dead.

With the newly created Candlelight Party, he and other activists are contesting upcoming local elections, hoping to resurrect political opposition to what has become a one-party state under Prime Minister Hun Sen.