Cambodia Prepares for Election Under Long-Ruling Hun Sen
Cambodia is gearing up for its seventh general election under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Sen, who has held power since 1985. With no viable competition and a tightly controlled process, observers forecast little surprise in the upcoming election. Critics argue that Hun Sen has used ruthless tactics to eliminate political opponents and secure his power, with the ultimate goal of transferring it to his eldest son, Hun Manet. The ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), led by Hun Sen, has faced accusations of squashing dissent and curbing political space in recent years.
Hun Sen’s authoritarian rule has drawn criticism both domestically and internationally. Western governments have been vocal about their concerns regarding Cambodia’s political situation, as the country lacks a truly democratic process. While the CPP cites the participation of 17 other small political parties to support its claims of multiparty democracy, rights groups and political observers assert that meaningful opposition parties and figures have been silenced or banned in Cambodia.
The upcoming election is seen as a significant turning point for Hun Sen’s son, Hun Manet, who is making his political debut by running for a parliamentary seat. While he has received a first-class education overseas, Hun Manet faces challenges in stepping out of his father’s shadow and establishing his own leadership style. Critics argue that his father’s legacy of corruption and nepotism will present hurdles in gaining respect and credibility on the global stage.
Cambodia’s political crackdown has escalated since the 2013 elections, when the alliance of opposition parties, the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), achieved significant support. The CNRP was subsequently banned by the country’s top court in 2017. This year, the Candlelight Party, the remaining entity of the CNRP, was banned by Cambodia’s national election committee, leaving no realistic competition to Hun Sen and the CPP.
Opposition figurehead Sam Rainsy, who lives in self-exile, called on Cambodians to spoil their votes to protest the lack of a free and fair contest. However, Hun Sen warned that those who spoiled their votes could face punishment. With limited political options and a climate of fear, many Cambodians express apathy and concerns about potential consequences for not voting for the ruling CPP.
As Cambodia prepares for its election on Sunday, the international community continues to closely monitor the state of democracy in the country. The success of Hun Sen’s power succession plan and the future leadership of Hun Manet will shape Cambodia’s political landscape for years to come.