Cambodia’s ruling party sweeps local polls

Cambodia’s ruling party has scored a landslide victory in the commune council elections that were held on June 5.

The National Election Committee announced on Sunday that the Cambodian People’s Party candidates now hold the chair positions of 1,648 commune councils from a total of 1,652.

The ruling party, led by Prime Minister Hun Sen, also won more than 80 percent of the local council seats. The main opposition Candlelight Party won fewer than 20 percent.

Cambodia holds council elections every five years. In 2017, the main opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party won a majority in 30 percent of the councils by attracting support from voters unhappy with Hun Sen, who had held power for over 30 years.

Hun Sen’s government cracked down on the CNRP after the elections, arresting its leader and forcing it to disband.

Hun Sen’s party won all the parliamentary seats in the general election in 2018.

The results of this month’s local elections show the opposition party has been severely weakened by the government’s crackdown.

SOURCE: NEWS AGENCIES