Hun Sen's Heir Defends Controversial Election Victory as US Condemns 'Neither Free nor Fair' Polls in Cambodia
The recent Cambodian elections face criticism from the United States for being unfair, while China congratulates Hun Sen on his predicted victory. European Union and France express regret over the exclusion of opposition party.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's heir apparent, Hun Manet, has defended the legitimacy of the recent elections in which his party, the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP), is predicted to win all but five of the 125 parliamentary seats.
The United States has condemned the polls, stating that they were neither free nor fair, due to a pattern of threats and harassment against the political opposition, media, and civil society. The disqualification of the only viable opposition force, the Candlelight Party, ensured a big win for the CPP.
The European Union and France both expressed regret over the exclusion of the Candlelight Party and called for the release of detained opposition figures. However, China congratulated Hun Sen on his win, highlighting the close ties between the two countries.
