Cambodia: Ruling party wins July 29 general election /update 1

Event

Longtime Prime Minister Hun Sen - in power since 1985 - is set to serve another five-year term after the ruling Cambodia People's Party (CPP) claimed victory in the general election held on Sunday, July 29, although official results are not expected until mid-August. The result comes as no surprise, as the main opposition party - the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) - was dissolved in 2017 and the CPP faced no serious opposition in this year's election. Although the CNRP had called on supporters to boycott Sunday's election, the National Election Commission reported voter turnout at over 82 percent. Opposition members have claimed that the high participation rate is attributable in part to threats made during the campaign against those who failed to vote. Opposition leader Sam Rainsy has called for peaceful protests to denounce the "sham" election; however, significant unrest is unlikely. 

Context

Multiple poll-watching groups, including some from the European Union, United States, and Japan, declined to observe Sunday's vote due to concerns over the election's legitimacy. The CNRP, which narrowly lost the last general election in 2013, was dissolved in 2017 after it was found guilty of plotting to seize power, allegedly with the support of the US. Party leader Kem Sokha was charged with treason and jailed. Rights groups allege the finding was politically motivated to discredit the opposition and intimidate opponents.

Advice

Individuals in Cambodia are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all political gatherings or demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.