Cambodia’s longtime Prime Minister Hun Sen and his ruling party, the Cambodian People’s Party, have claimed a landslide victory in the country’s general election. Critics argue that the outcome was virtually assured due to the suppression and intimidation of the opposition, raising concerns about the integrity of the democratic process.
According to the National Election Committee, 84.6% of eligible voters cast their ballots. Hun Sen’s spokesperson, Sok Eysan, stated that the ruling party captured an estimated 78-80% of the total turnout. However, no official vote count had been issued at the time of his statement.
The international community, including the European Union and the United States, refused to send observers, citing a lack of conditions necessary for free and fair elections. Thus, observers from Russia, China, and Guinea-Bissau monitored the voting process. Hun Sen himself voted early in the day, displaying his ballot for photographs before leaving the polling station.
Hun Sen, Asia’s longest-serving leader, has been consolidating power through strong-arm tactics over the past 38 years. At 70 years old, he has hinted at passing the premiership to his oldest son, Hun Manet, who is currently the chief of Cambodia’s army. Although Hun Manet has received a Western education, experts believe there will be no significant immediate policy shifts, including foreign policy, when he assumes the role.
The ruling party’s victory is expected to bring about a broader generational change, with younger leaders set to occupy most ministerial positions. Analysts anticipate these changes and the transition of power to be closely monitored. Stability has been a key concern for voters, with one former lawmaker emphasizing its importance for issues such as education and development.
While there were no extensive reports of widespread protests during the election, the national police spokesperson announced that 27 individuals are being sought for allegedly calling for voters to spoil their ballots. Two arrests were made at polling stations as well.
Hun Sen’s grip on power faced a setback in the 2013 elections when the opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party garnered 44% of the popular vote compared to the CPP’s 48%. In response, Hun Sen targeted opposition leaders, leading to the dissolution of the party in 2017. Ahead of this year’s election, the only other contender capable of mounting a credible challenge, the Candlelight Party, was disqualified on a technicality by the National Election Committee, sparking widespread criticism from rights groups.
Organizations like Human Rights Watch and the Asian Network for Free Elections highlighted the lack of democratic processes and hostility towards opposition voices. The constriction of civil society and the targeting of human rights defenders and activists were concerning factors during this election.
Despite the suppression of the opposition in 2018, there was little widespread popular discontent leading up to this year’s election due to the effective messaging and nation-building efforts by the ruling party. The CPP’s careful messaging, focusing on slogans like small country, big heart, has contributed to a sense of acceptance among many Cambodians.
With the Candlelight Party out of the running, the royalist party FUNCINPEC was expected to benefit the most from any anti-CPP vote. However, it should be noted that FUNCINPEC had previously defeated the CPP in 1993 UN-run elections but later agreed to share the position of prime minister with Hun Sen.
In conclusion, while the ruling Cambodian People’s Party claims a resounding victory in the general election, criticism remains regarding the suppression of the opposition and the lack of democratic conditions. The consolidation of power by Prime Minister Hun Sen and his plans for a generational change within the ruling party will undoubtedly continue to shape Cambodia’s political landscape.
