PHNOM PENH: Cambodia’s ruling party, led by long-time ruler Hun Sen, has declared a “landslide” victory in the country’s election, where opposition to the 70-year-old leader was effectively wiped out before polling day. Hun Sen, a former Khmer Rouge cadre who has been in power since 1985, faced no real contest in the vote, as opposition parties were banned, challengers were forced into exile, and freedom of expression was stifled.
The Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), led by Hun Sen, is expected to retain all 125 seats in the lower house, further extending his grip on power and setting the stage for a dynastic succession with his son, Hun Manet, taking over the reins. The opposition party that posed a significant challenge was disqualified on a technicality before the polls, leaving little chance for the 17 other small, poorly funded parties to secure seats.
Sok Eysan, the CPP spokesman, confidently announced, “We are winning a landslide,” shortly after polls closed, with the vote counting process already underway. Initial results are anticipated within hours, and the final tally will be revealed in the coming weeks.
With more than 9.7 million registered voters, Cambodia’s seventh election since the United Nations-sponsored polls in 1993 has been marred by a lack of genuine multi-party competition. Despite hopes for a vibrant democracy over the years, Hun Sen’s rule has overshadowed any such prospects.
Voter turnout reached 84 percent, according to records at 6:00 pm (1100 GMT), prompting Hun Sen to assert that support for opposition groups had collapsed. He stated on his official Telegram channel, “The Cambodian people won’t let the cheating groups destroy the country.”
Cambodia’s Democracy
As victory for Hun Sen is almost certain, attention will now turn to his son, Hun Manet, who is the anointed successor. Hun Sen has previously hinted at handing over power to his son in the near future. While some wonder whether Hun Manet might bring change to the country, the veteran PM has indicated that he intends to maintain influence even after his son assumes leadership.
Rights groups have strongly condemned the election, with a 17-strong coalition expressing “profound concern” over the ballot’s legitimacy on the eve of polling.
The only legitimate challenge to the CPP came from the Candlelight Party, but it was disqualified by Cambodia’s electoral body in May, rendering it ineligible to participate. With the opposition effectively removed from the race, exiled opposition figurehead Sam Rainsy suggested that the number of voided ballot papers might be an important measure to watch.
Despite the lack of genuine opposition, some voters expressed despondency over the situation, while others voted for stability and progress, mindful of the country’s turbulent history.
In the lead-up to the election, freedom of speech was severely curtailed, and the few remaining independent news outlets were shut down earlier this year. Furthermore, Hun Sen introduced changes to election laws last month, preventing anyone who fails to vote from running for office, affecting exiled rivals like Sam Rainsy.
