CHEN:
Cambodians are voting this Sunday in their general elections. Rising prices and a dispute with Thailand over a border temple are the two main concerns for voters this year.

STORY:
It's the theme of the campaign song and it's on the posters carried by Cambodia's opposition party. Food prices need to come down to help the millions who are becoming poorer day by day.

Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled the country for the last 23 years, and his party is widely expected to win this weekend. But the margin may be slight as double-digit inflation is starting to hurt the country.

The Sam Rainsy Party is calling for better management of the economy.

[Son Chhay, Opposition Party Member]:
"Sam Rainsy Party has the policy to urge those who have land concessions to use the land to produce domestic goods. Otherwise, we must give the land back to the people who can farm and fight corruption at the same time."

The sharp increase in inflation has people feeling the pinch.

[Sim Soy, Farmer]:
"I want all types of food prices to go down because it is too expensive. I can't afford it."

Political tension between Cambodia and neighboring Thailand is also casting shadows over the polls.
A dispute was rekindled after the 900-year-old Preah Vihear temple was declared a Cambodian World Heritage site.

Both sides sent troops and heavy artillery to the border where the temple sits on disputed land. While there have been no major incidents some villagers have left the area.

[Phe Chun, Teacher]:
"This dispute affects the election because some people here escaped from the village and now they can't vote."

The European Union is sending 130 observers to monitor the election. Eight million are registered to vote.