Hun Manet is the future prime minister-designate of Cambodia’s ruling party. He will led a massive political rally ahead of the country’s general elections. As the son of longtime Prime Minister Hun Sen, Hun Manet addressed his supporters. He is stressing the role of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) in ensuring security and peace in the country. He accused “extremist groups” of trying to disrupt the upcoming elections. But, He expressed confidence in the Cambodian people’s ability to see through these tactics. The CPP’s dominance in the polls is expected, with the strongest opposition party disqualified and dissent and opposition suppressed ahead of the election.
Hun Manet’s political role and party dominance
Hun Manet, a 45-year-old four-star general, is nominate as the CPP’s future prime minister candidate. However, the party did not specify when the political transition will take place. The Cambodian People’s Party is expect to continue to dominate. They are having won all 125 National Assembly seats in the previous general elections in 2018. The most powerful opposition party, the Candlelight Party, was disqualify over red tape, giving the CPP an even stronger position in the polls.
Suppression of Opposition and Dissent
Critics have accused Cambodian authorities of cracking down on political opposition and dissent ahead of the elections. The Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), the main challenger to the CPP, was disband a year before the 2018 elections due to allegations of planning to overthrow the government. Former CNRP leader Kem Sokha was convict of treason and sentence to 27 years house arrest in March. In response to calls for boycotts or vote counting in protest, the CPP-controlled National Assembly amended the electoral law to bar those who did not vote from participating in future elections. Encouraging others to screw up ballots can also result in fines.
Anouncement for Elections
Human Rights Watch and the Asian Network for Free Elections have criticize the lack of political space and restrictions on opposition parties in Cambodia. The exclusion of the Candlelight Party is cite as an example of the country’s limited political freedom. Despite these concerns, the CPP spokesperson says the electoral agency has complied with the rules and the party is hoping for a high turnout.
conclusion
As Cambodia approaches general elections, the final rally of the ruling party led by Hun Manet has further highlighted the dominance of the party and the challenges facing opposition parties. Critics continue to call for free and fair elections and express concern over the crackdown on political opposition and dissent. The outcome of the elections will determine the country’s future political landscape and the potential continuation of the long-serving CPP government.
