Browsing Tag

Candlelight Party

4 posts

‘Victory day’: Cambodia heir leads final rally ahead of one-sided election

Cambodian leader Hun Sen’s son and chosen successor, Hun Manet, held a final rally ahead of the one-sided elections. Critics condemn the lack of credible opposition, ensuring a majority win for the ruling party. Supporters back Hun Manet’s leadership, but analysts doubt significant changes under his rule.

Cambodian opposition party loses bid to overturn election ban

Cambodia’s main opposition party lost its bid to participate in the upcoming elections, allowing long-serving leader Hun Sen to run uncontested. The ruling was upheld by the Constitutional Council, disappointing the Candlelight Party and shrinking the space for democracy in the country. Critics accuse Hun Sen of suppressing opposition and manipulating the legal system. The party had gained popularity in local elections and aimed to challenge the ruling party in every constituency. Hun Sen’s grip on power continues, with his son being groomed as his successor.

FORUM-ASIA and CIVICUS condemn Cambodia’s decision to disqualify main opposition party from upcoming General Election

Cambodia’s National Election Committee’s disqualification of the main opposition Candlelight Party from the 2023 general elections has drawn global criticism. Human rights groups FORUM-ASIA and CIVICUS argue this undermines democratic rights, suggesting the move is part of an ongoing campaign of bureaucratic intimidation to silence dissent.

Main Cambodia opposition party excluded from July polls

Cambodia’s National Election Committee has refused to register the main opposition party, the Candlelight Party (CP), for the upcoming national elections. The move effectively paves the way for Prime Minister Hun Sen’s ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) to compete uncontested. Critics argue that Hun Sen uses the legal system to suppress opposition, and the CP plans to appeal the decision. With key opposition figures facing disqualification and criminal cases, and opposition activists defecting to the ruling party, Cambodia’s path to plural-party democracy is increasingly uncertain.