PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Cambodia’s state election body said Friday that it will postpone its announcement of final results from last month’s general election, a move that could ease fears of violence on opposition protests.
The National Election Committee made the announcement after the government admitted moving armored vehicles and troops to the capital, Phnom Penh, to keep order if a mass protest by the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party spins out of control.
The opposition has challenged the ruling Cambodian People’s Party’s claim of winning a July 28 election, saying there were electoral irregularities. It has said it will reject the results unless there is an independent inquiry.
The NEC had planned to release results Saturday, but said it will delay an announcement because its own investigation of irregularities has not been completed.
There were other signs Friday of a move toward compromise, as the NEC said it is willing to consider a special commission to investigate election complaints, and the two contending parties agreed in principle to accept such a body.