Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen launched his ruling party's campaign for the upcoming election, which has been widely criticized as a sham due to the exclusion of the main opposition party, Reuters reports.
Addressing a crowd in Phnom Penh, the 70-year-old leader highlighted his party's achievements in ensuring peace, development, and democratic progress while asserting that rights and freedoms are respected. However, he issued a warning against any attempts to incite social disorder or rebellion.
The July 23 election will feature only smaller parties with limited popularity and funding, as the main opposition party was dissolved in 2017 and a subsequent party formed from its remnants was barred earlier this year.
The United States has expressed deep concern over the undemocratic actions leading up to the polls and announced that it will not send official observers, as the electoral process is deemed neither free nor fair.
In response to a recent ruling by Meta's oversight board calling for Hun Sen's suspension, the Cambodian government announced the deportation of a Meta representative and ceased cooperation with the company, citing concerns over fake accounts, data risks, and transparency.
Hun Sen, who has maintained a firm grip on power during his lengthy premiership, has faced accusations of suppressing political rivals, silencing critical media outlets, and suppressing dissent. Speculation has arisen about his potential handover of power to his son, Hun Manet, who is also a candidate in the upcoming election and widely seen as his successor.
