Bektimirova Nadezhda

Trends in the political development of Cambodia in 2012

ЮГО-ВОСТОЧНАЯ АЗИЯ: АКТУАЛЬНЫЕ ПРОБЛЕМЫ РАЗВИТИЯ, 2012, №18, 128-151

 
Annotation: In 2012 the Cambodian political model is still characterized by one-party dominance within a formally pluralistic system. Representatives of the Cambodian People’s Party were at the helm of the three key branches of power. However, systemic opposition, such as the Human Rights Party and the Sam Rainsy Party took measures to become a political force to be reckoned with. The 2012 Senate and local election results testify to the success of the two parties in strengthening their positions. At the same time the 2012 elections have demonstrated the peripheral nature of all the other parties and their inability to significantly influence the political process. As far as internal developments within the Cambodian People’s Party are concerned, corruption scandals in the inner circle of the General Secretary Chea Sim have somewhat weakened his standing. In the meantime, Hun Sen’s family clan has been entrenched as a result of the promotion of his two sons to key administrative positions in the Ministry of Defense.

Keywords: CAMBODIA, ELECTIONS, OPPOSITION, HUN SEN, POLITICAL PARTIES, POLITICAL MODEL