Cambodian general election, 2018

Cambodian general election, 2018

22 or 29 July 2018

All 123 seats to the National Assembly 62 seats needed for a majority   Leader Hun Sen Sam Rainsy Norodom Ranariddh Party CPP CNRP FUNCINPEC Leader since 14 January 1985 17 July 2012 19 January 2015 Leader's seat Kandal Kampong Cham TBD Last election 68 seats, 48.83% 55 seats, 44.46% N/A Current seats 68 55 0 Seats needed 7 62

Incumbent Prime Minister Hun Sen CPP

General elections are due to be held in Cambodia in July 2018,^[1] to elect members of the sixth National Assembly. Incumbent Prime Minister Hun Sen is eligible to seek a fifth term in office.

Background

The previous election saw the fourth victory of the Cambodian People's Party, gaining 68 seats of the National Assembly and the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party occupying the rest of the 55 seats. Despite their huge gain in seats, the opposition denied the results and accused the ruling party of poll fraud. As a result, the CNRP boycotted parliament in September 2013 and vows not to enter parliament until a legitimate electoral reform.^[2] The disputed election results led to the outbreak of widespread anti-government protests.^[3]

On 10 April 2014, prime minister Hun Sen agreed to hold the election five months early in February 2018. The opposition however rejected and wants the election to be held as early as 2015 or mid 2016.^[4] On 22 July 2014, the political crisis officially ended and the opposition agreed to accept their seats in parliament. The next election was also agreed to be held in 2018.^[5]

On 3 August 2015, Hun Sen declared the elections will be held traditionally in July, despite previously agreeing to be held early in February, amid tensions with the opposition.^[1] As with the previous elections, the election is generally held on the last Sunday in July, although the exact date has yet to be announced.

References

1. "Hun Sen does U-turn on early elections". phnompenhpost.com (The Phnom Penh Post). 3 August 2015. Retrieved 3 August 2015.
2. Heng Reaksmey and Men Kimseng (7 March 2014). "Opposition Standing Firm on Election Reform Demand". Voice of America. Retrieved 18 July 2014.
3. Dara, Mech (23 December 2013). "CNRP Holds Biggest Demonstration in Decades". The Cambodia Daily. Retrieved 18 July 2014.
4. "Hun Sen Agrees to Hold Early Election, Wants Deal Signed Before King". Radio Free Asia. 10 April 2014. Retrieved 9 July 2014.
5. "Political deadlock broken". The Phnom Penh Post. 22 July 2014. Retrieved 24 July 2014.