Cambodia's strongman Hun Sen declares victory

Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen claimed a landslide victory after polls closed in Sunday's election. The vote was widely dismissed by the main opposition and western observers as being neither free nor fair. On Saturday he met with foreign election observers from Russia, China and Indonesia, among other countries. But the US, European Union and Japan did not send observers, saying the election already lacked credibility.

The only credible political opposition — the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) — was banned and the government proceeded to crack down on dissent, pressured civic organizations and the independent media. The CNRP was dissolved last year by a Supreme Court ruling. In addition to dismantling the opposition, the government has systematically sought to silence independent media voices. It temporarily blocked 17 websites, including local media pages.

Polls closed at 3 p.m. local time. About two hours later the National Election Commission (NEC) announced voter turnout out at more than 80 percent, a marked increase from the 2013 vote when turnout was just below 70 percent.

Hun Sen, 65, said he plans to stay in power for at least another decade — two five-year terms. He has already led the country for 33 years, making him the world's longest-serving national leader currently in power.

https://www.dw.com/en/cambodias-opposition-condemns-election-climate-of-fear-as-strongman-hun-sen-declares-victory/a-44867899