Drenched in sweat and more than an hour into a speech urging 16,000 garment factory workers to vote for the ruling party, Prime Minister Hun Sen of Cambodia revived the restless crowd by announcing that everyone would receive a cash gift.
"Nephews and nieces, it is just a little," he said as the audience cheered and applauded. "You each get 20,000 riels ($5) as a gift. For nieces who are pregnant, you each get an extra envelope."
Hun Sen, who has ruled for more than 30 years, is using cash inducements and punishing measures against the opposition to try to ensure victory in the July 29 vote following two close elections in 2013 and 2017.