Hardline PM Hun Sen to Step Down After Decades in Power
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, one of the world’s longest-serving leaders, has announced his resignation, putting an end to almost four decades of hardline rule. Having held power since 1985, Hun Sen has effectively eliminated all opposition, stifling freedom of expression and banning rival parties. His Cambodian People’s Party recently won a heavily criticized election with no meaningful opposition, paving the way for a dynastic succession to his eldest son, likened by some critics to North Korea’s leadership. Resignation and Succession In a special broadcast on state television, the 70-year-old leader stated that he would not continue as prime minister and will hand over power to his eldest son. The 45-year-old son had played a prominent role in campaigning for the recent election, signaling the planned dynastic succession. Controversial Election The recent election saw the ruling CPP secure 82 percent of the vote, with the only serious challenger, the Candlelight…
Ruling Party: Cambodian Claims Overwhelming Victory
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…