Cambodia to hold 2023 general election

INA-  SOURCES


Cambodia is set to hold its 2023 general election today for the National Assembly, the lower house of the nation’s parliament.

Some 9.7 million Cambodians will vote for 125 seats. Beyond the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), only small parties with limited financial resources will be contesting the elections. The main opposition party, the Candlelight Party, was dissolved in 2017 in response to an alleged coup attempt, with several of its members imprisoned.

For nearly 40 years, Prime Minister Hun Sen has consolidated power through a network of interests, including the military, police, and intelligence groups. His government has also enacted strategic laws that have silenced his critics and hobbled all serious political competitors.

Heightened security measures including roadblocks and increased security personnel are expected on election day. Prime Minister Hun Sen and the CPP are expected to win all 125 seats in parliament. Hun Sen’s eldest son, Hun Manet, is running as a candidate in Phnom Penh and is widely expected to be appointed Defense Minister ahead of succeeding his father, which is anticipated to happen before the 2028 general election. As Hun Sen attempts to hand over the reins, short-term economic challenges will need to be addressed to ensure a smooth transition.



SOURCE: Foreign Brief