Cambodia‘s election has resulted generally in a declared landslide victory. It’s for the ruling party of Prime Minister Hun Sen. However, critics widely dismissed the election as a mere formality. It aimed at solidifying the party’s dominance and paving the way for a smooth transfer of power to the Prime Minister’s eldest son. With the main opposition disqualified and a lack of viable contenders, the election was effectively a one-horse race, raising concerns about its credibility and democratic legitimacy.
A One-Horse Race
Hun Sen’s Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) enjoyed an overwhelming advantage in the election, being a powerful political force with abundant resources. In the lead-up to the vote, the CPP carried out a ruthless crackdown on its opponents, leaving no viable challengers. The remaining 17 mostly lesser-known parties could not pose a substantial threat to the CPP’s supremacy, and none of them had secured seats in the previous 2018 election.
Dubious Turnout and Results
The election committee reported an 84% voter turnout, the second-highest in the last three decades. However, critics questioned the credibility of the numbers, given the lack of genuine opposition and the widespread criticism surrounding the election. The only opponent with any significant influence was disqualified from running, raising further doubts about the legitimacy of the results.
CPP’s Claim of Victory
The CPP declared a landslide win in the election, with a spokesperson stating that they had emerged victorious. However, specific seat numbers were yet to be calculated and announced. The election’s outcome was seen as a foregone conclusion due to the lack of real competition.
Hun Sen’s Consolidation of Power
Hun Sen, Cambodia’s self-styled strongman, has been in power for an astounding 38 years. He disregarded Western concerns about the credibility of the election and focused on ensuring a smooth transfer of power to his eldest son, Hun Manet, as his successor. The timeline for this handover had not been specified until recently. Hun Sen indicated that his son could potentially become prime minister as early as next month, depending on the National Assembly’s outcome.
Challenges to Election Legitimacy
The election faced criticism, with many opponents, mostly overseas-based, calling for a boycott or attempting to undermine it through protest ballots. Despite these efforts, the high turnout was seen as a display of support for the ruling party. It is also raised suspicions of manipulation and coercion.
Conclusion
The recent general election in Cambodia resulted in a claimed landslide victory for the ruling CPP. It has been widely questioned for its credibility and fairness. It has no viable opposition and the disqualification of prominent opponents. The election was seen as a mere formality and solidifying the party’s rule. It was preparing for a smooth transfer of power to Hun Sen’s son. The international community closely observes the situation, raising concerns about the state of democracy and political freedoms in the country.
