Cambodia’s tense election highlights Hun Sen’s unchallenged dominance amidst controversy and irregularities

Prime Minister Hun Sen, one of the world’s longest-serving dictators — 38 years and counting — is aiming to “win” yet another election.

Progressively over the past decades, Hun Sen has carefully engineered electoral rules to maintain control over both the judiciary and the National Election Committee.

This has allowed Hun Sen and the ruling party to sweep out opposition members and silence opposing voices.

That is why in the upcoming general election in Cambodia, incumbent Prime Minister Hun Sen is running without any strong opposition.

As Hun Sen kicked off his most recent election campaign, the regime banned the main opposition party, the Candlelight Party, from participating in the upcoming elections.

The move allows the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) to run a one-horse race.

Hun Sen reportedly prepares to pass the presidency to his eldest son without any opposition or challengers.

Nearly 9.7 million Cambodians are expected to participate in the election.

The options on the ballot include the CPP and several smaller parties with limited national structures.

Previously, the CPP claimed all 125 seats in the 2018 elections.

Before the election, certain opposition parties and media outlets experienced restrictions.

The Electoral Commission disqualified the opposition Candlelight Party in May due to a procedural issue, and an independent radio station, Voice of Democracy, had its license revoked in February.

In June, an amendment to the electoral law was passed that prevents non-voters from standing as candidates in future elections.

This could impact the political trajectory of politicians currently in exile.

At age 70, Hun Sen, who has served as Prime Minister since 1985, has hinted at potential succession plans.

His preference is to pass leadership to his son Hun Manet, who currently serves as a four-star general and is running in the election as part of the CPP.

The upcoming election has raised some concerns over potential voting irregularities, according to a report from Human Rights Watch (HRW).

The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) also voiced concerns, suggesting a bias in favor of the ruling party.

The disqualification of the Candlelight Party, ANFREL states, exemplifies the restricted political environment in Cambodia.

They further criticized harassment of independent media.