In 2023, Cambodia commenced a new chapter in its political history. The country went through the inevitable motions of elections, enabling a generational transition in government after four decades of rule by the same core elites to their scions. The main suspense of July’s national election concerned when the generational transition it sanctified would take place.
Cambodia’s democracy has been regressing since Prime Minister Hun Manet entered office in August last year, according to the leader of an opposition party that was barred from last year’s general election. In an interview given to Nikkei Asia on Monday, Vannol alleged that “There is no democracy in Cambodia and Prime Minister Hun Manet had ‘even tightened’ controls on opponents compared to his predecessor and father, and arrested political opponents, including CP members.” He also expressed his concerns about safety in the interview, and said that high-ranking party officials are “being monitored by cameras 24 hours.”
Prime Minister Hun Manet was seen battling allegations that the so-called $1.6 billion “game changing” Funan Techo Canal would place Cambodia in a debt trap with China.
