INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
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
(Photo Internet reproduction)As Hun Sen kicked off his most recent election campaign, the regime banned the main opposition party, the
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.
