Cambodia: General elections to take place on July 29

Event

General elections will be held on Sunday, July 29, to elect 125 members of the National Assembly by proportional representation. The ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) is widely expected to win. An increase in political rallies is expected in the weeks leading up to the vote. Heightened security measures and traffic disruptions are anticipated around all electoral related events.

Context

Current Prime Minister Hun Sen of the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) is widely expected to win, with the main opposition party banned and its leaders encumbered with legal cases that have blocked them from running. A court dissolved the main opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party in 2017 it was found guilty of plotting to take power, allegedly with the support of the US. Rights groups allege the case could be an attempt to discredit the opposition and intimidate opponents.

Advice

As a precautionary measure, individuals present in Cambodia are advised to monitor local media, avoid all protests and demonstrations (as they could turn violent), and refrain from discussing domestic political issues in public.