Thousands show up at Phnom Penh rally in support of Cambodia PM's son

Hun Manet spoke at a rally before leading a parade of supporters from a vehicle that drove through the capital. About 30,000 people were in attendance, according to the organiser's estimates.

The political debut of Hun Manet, 45, marks one of the final steps in a decades-long grooming process that is expected to end with him succeeding his father as prime minister.

To become prime minister, Hun Manet needs to be a member of the National Assembly, which he will do if he wins a seat on Sunday, as expected, and receive approval from the king. It is not clear when the transition will happen but some academics suspect that Sunday's election will be Hun Sen's last.

Cambodia's ruling party endorses PM Hun Sen's son as future leader

The re-election of longtime Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Sunday is not in doubt in a process in which all opposition parties have been barred - but the candidacy of his eldest son offers a glimpse of Cambodia's future.

Hun Sen in 2021 named his eldest as his choice to succeed him as leader, and his long-ruling Cambodia People's Party soon endorsed him as "future prime minister". 

For some, Hun Manet represents a young, fresh face who will further develop Cambodia.

Hun Sen has given his son both Cambodian and Western credentials. He said Manet was born from a spirit that emerged from a Banyan tree in a flash of light.

He sent his son to West Point, the first Cambodian to graduate from the US military academy. He then earned a master's degree in economics from New York University and a PhD in economics from the University of Bristol.

In 2003, Hun Manet told his father's biographers that he came to appreciate aspects of American culture – the way people have "the freedom and opportunity to do anything they want", the "tolerance for diversity" and "looking at things from different angles and perspectives".

He also told them a country needed a minimum level of development before democracy could work, otherwise, it was easy to manipulate with payments.

As Hun Manet studied abroad, he also rose up the ranks of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) – deputy of his father's bodyguards, commander of counter-terrorism, commander of the army, and deputy commander-in-chief.

He also became head of the ruling party's youth wing and joined its standing committee, and raised his international profile.

Hun Sen has indicated that he expects his heir to rule in his own model and if he does not, he might take back power.

Reuters

Candlelight Party distances from ballot spoil campaign

As Sunday’s general election approaches, the Candlelight Party (CP) has publicly distanced itself from online calls for people to spoil their election papers.

However, government officials contend that such a statement merely attempts to absolve the party from potential legal repercussions.

On July 19, the CP issued a public statement asserting it does not support the campaign, which urges voters to cross out their entire ballot papers.

The party stated that such actions are viewed as a violation of election law.

“The Candlelight Party declares that we are not involved in any illegal actions committed by individuals acting against the spirit of the Cambodian Constitution and relevant laws,” the statement read.

The statement further clarified that while the CP encourages voters to make independent decisions free from fear or coercion, it denies advocating for election boycotts or ballot spoiling.

Vice president of CP, Rong Chhun, reiterated that no calls had been made to supporters or voters advocating such actions.

The CP’s statement followed the arrest of several party members who were reportedly encouraging the public to spoil their ballot papers for the upcoming July 23 election.

One arrested individual confessed to being influenced by the former opposition leader, Sam Rainsy.

Ministry of Justice spokesperson Chin Malin interpreted the CP’s statement as an attempt to deny involvement in the illegal actions of its members.

Malin warned that any proven link between the CP and Sam Rainsy’s call to spoil ballots or abstain from voting could result in legal responsibility for the party.

Sok Eysan, spokesperson for the ruling Cambodian People’s Party, stated that the CP can voice any opinion it chooses, but law enforcement will continue to act against those breaking the law.

He noted: “As we all know, a call to spoil the ballot paper has been initiated by convict Sam Rainsy. If we arrest anyone for incitement and that person is a member of the Candlelight Party, the party cannot be absolved by their statement”.

The recently passed Article 142 of the election law stipulates that any individual instructing or inciting others to spoil election papers will face a fine ranging from five to 20 million riel, in addition to other potential criminal charges.

Samban Chandara 

The Phnom Penh Post

Asia News Network