Lon Rith, the son of late Cambodian general Lon Nol, who toppled former King Norodom Sihanouk in 1970, has launched his own political party called the Khmer Republican Party.
According to the party officials, the Khmer Republican party has received permission from the ministry of the interior and it plans to compete in the 2008 general elections.
The party's Secretary General, Nhean Preash says that the party adheres to democratic principles, respects the constitution and believes in constitutional monarchy. He says that Cambodian people love the monarchy, and that monarchy should prevail for now. Should the people think monarchy is not the right regime in the future, then there should be an election, and the people can elect a royal family member if they wish.
Lon Rith was not present at the press conference Monday. Party officials say he was out of the country at the moment.
Front Sangkum Jatiniyum's president, prince Sisowath Thomico says it is unfair to compare Marshall Lon Nol and his son.