Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen Resigns, Transfers Authority to His Son

The uncompromising leader declares the conclusion of his forty-year rule following his party's decisive win in the election.

Cambodian Prime Minister, Hun Sen, one of the world's longest-serving leaders, has made a momentous announcement regarding his resignation and the transfer of power to his eldest son, concluding nearly four decades of hardline rule.

Having taken control of the country since 1985, the former Khmer Rouge cadre has eliminated any opposition to his authority, leading to the banning of rival parties, the exile of challengers, and a suppression of freedom of expression.

In the recent election held on Sunday, his Cambodian People's Party (CPP) secured an overwhelming victory with 82% of the vote, as there was no significant opposition, paving the way for a dynastic succession to his eldest son—a move that some critics have likened to North Korea's political system.

"I would like to request understanding from the people as I announce that I will not continue serving as Prime Minister," the 70-year-old leader stated in a special televised address on Wednesday.

Prior to the election, election authorities disqualified the only significant challenger, the Candlelight party, citing a technicality, and it is anticipated that the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) will secure all but five seats in the lower house.

While the government praised the 84.6% voter turnout as a sign of the country's "democratic maturity," Western powers, including the US and EU, condemned the election, citing it as neither free nor fair.

Hun Sen has been preparing for a year and a half to hand over power to his son, Hun Manet, who, at 45 years old, actively played a leading role in campaigning for Sunday's vote.

Even after stepping down, the outgoing leader has made it evident that he intends to maintain influence, dispelling any notion of a potential shift in the country's direction.

During Hun Sen's tenure, Cambodia has aligned closely with Beijing, benefiting from substantial Chinese investments and infrastructure projects, including the redevelopment of a naval base that has raised concerns in Washington.

China applauded Sunday's election, with President Xi Jinping personally congratulating Hun Sen with a heartfelt message.

However, the influx of Chinese funds has brought its share of issues, including the proliferation of casinos and online scam operations that exploit trafficked workers under appalling conditions.

Critics argue that his rule has also been marked by environmental degradation and pervasive corruption. Transparency International's corruption perception index ranks Cambodia 150th out of 180 countries, with only Myanmar and North Korea faring worse in Asia.

Rights groups accuse Hun Sen of using the legal system to suppress any opposition to his rule, targeting activists, union leaders, and politicians alike.

Throughout his tenure, numerous opposition politicians have been convicted and imprisoned, and ahead of Sunday's election, the law was amended to make it illegal to call for voters to spoil their ballots.

In the lead-up to polling day, authorities barred the exiled opposition figurehead, Sam Rainsy, from running for office for 25 years, citing his calls for people to invalidate their ballots.

Similarly, opposition leader Kem Sokha was convicted of treason in March and sentenced to 27 years in prison over an alleged plot to overthrow Hun Sen's government. He is currently serving his sentence under house arrest.