The ruling party led by long-time Prime Minister Hun Sen has claimed a resounding victory in Cambodia’s general election on Sunday. This outcome was practically guaranteed due to the suppression and intimidation of the opposition, which opponents argue has undermined democracy. The National Election Committee reported that 84.6% of eligible voters had cast their ballots six hours after polls closed. Sok Eysan, spokesperson for Hun Sen’s Cambodian People’s Party, stated that he believed his party captured 78% to 80% of the total turnout. However, no official vote count has been issued, so these figures should be taken with caution.
The US, along with other Western countries and the European Union, declined to send observers to the election, citing a lack of conditions for a free and fair vote. As a result, international officials from Russia, China, and Guinea-Bissau monitored the polls while Hun Sun cast his vote in his home district near the capital, Phnom Penh. Hun Sen, who has served as leader for the past 38 years, has consolidated his power through strong-arm tactics. At the age of 70, he has hinted that he may pass on the premiership to his eldest son, Hun Manet, within the upcoming five-year term, potentially as early as the first month after the elections.
Prior to Sunday’s election, the Candlelight Party, considered the unofficial successor to the opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), was barred from participating in the polls by the National Election Committee on a technicality. This decision practically ensured another landslide victory for Hun Sen and his party. However, the methods used to exclude the Candlelight Party have drawn criticism from various rights groups. Human Rights Watch stated that the election “bears little resemblance to an actual democratic process,” while the Asian Network for Free Elections highlighted the National Election Committee’s “clear bias” towards the ruling Cambodian People’s Party.
Overall, the election in Cambodia has been marred by controversy and accusations of undemocratic practices. The absence of international observers has raised concerns about the integrity of the process.
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