Cambodia’s main opposition party, the Candlelight Party, has been disqualified from the upcoming July election by the National Election Commission. This is the second consecutive election in which the party has been barred from participating, eliminating the only credible challenge to Prime Minister Hun Sen’s ruling Cambodian People’s Party. The Commission cited failure to file required paperwork as the reason for the disqualification.
The government has taken several steps to neutralize the opposition, including jailing and convicting opposition figures of treason and other charges, shutting down a popular news outlet, and verbally attacking and assaulting members of the Candlelight Party. The United Nations Human Rights Commission has expressed concern that these actions are undermining the environment for free and fair elections.
Prime Minister Hun Sen has held power for 38 years and has indicated that the transition of family power would follow this year’s election. Opposition leader Sam Rainsy has called this a “very dangerous year” for Hun Sen, as he seeks to establish a political dynasty.