Hun Sen’s Election in 2023

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This article explores the political landscape in Cambodia, focusing on the last legislative election in July 2023. It examines the dominance of Prime Minister Hun Sen and his Cambodian People's Party (CPP) and their strategies to maintain power and eliminate opposition. The article highlights the history of political turmoil in Cambodia, the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) dissolution, and the exclusion of the credible opposition Candlelight Party (CLP) from the election. It discusses the implications of the absence of a genuine challenger to the CPP and the disenfranchisement of Cambodian voters. Additionally, the article explores the restrictions imposed on civil society organizations and the media, including laws and regulations that curtail their activities and control their operations. It also sheds light on the allegations of electoral manipulation, such as gerrymandering and voter intimidation, which undermine the integrity of the electoral process. Finally, the article briefly updates about Hun Sen's son's successor, Hun Manet, and highlights a few challenges he will face when assuming his position. Overall, the article accentuates the challenges to democracy and human rights in Cambodia and raises concerns about the prospects for a multiparty democracy.