柬埔寨反对党威胁举行全国罢工

Cambodia's opposition is threatening a general strike as it expands its protest against Prime Minister Hun Sen's disputed election victory.

Cambodia National Rescue Party leader Sam Rainsy said Wednesday the one-day strike would be a response to what he called a "constitutional coup" by the government.

The opposition refuses to take part in parliament unless the government agrees to an independent probe of alleged fraud during a July vote that returned the long-ruling Cambodian People's Party to power.

Rainsy said the CNRP will not cooperate "in any manner" with the legislature or government, arguing that its leverage is "strongest now outside the parliament." He said more protests were possible if the ruling party "continues to ignore the will of the Cambodian people."

His comments come a day after Hun Sen was elected by parliament, which convened without its opposition members on Monday. The CNRP says opening of parliament without the required number of opposition members is illegal.