Cambodian Monks Debate Their Right to Vote

Agence France Presse reports that this Sunday, Cambodia's Buddhist monks will vote in a general election for the first time in a decade.

Ten years ago, Buddhist monks led protests against Prime Minister Hun Sen. They were beaten and shot, and at least two monks died. After this Supreme Patriarch Tep Vong, head of the country's largest Buddhist sect, barred Cambodia's monks from voting. Those who tried to vote often were blocked by local officials.

Last year, Tep Vong reversed the ban. Monks are debating among themselves whether they ought to vote, however. "I think monks don't need to vote because monks are neutral people. If they vote, it can bring biases that can cause fighting," said one.