This paper investigates the possible change of electoral authoritarian system in Cambodia by focusing on the analysis of the 2013 general election. Since the beginning of its electoral politics in 1993, Cambodia had been considered as a typical electo...
This paper investigates the possible change of electoral authoritarian system in Cambodia by focusing on the analysis of the 2013 general election. Since the beginning of its electoral politics in 1993, Cambodia had been considered as a typical electoral authoritarian regime. Cambodian electoral law and authoritarian state control mechanisms had been always worked in favor of the long-lasting ruling party, Cambodia People’s Party (CPP). The 2013 general election was also not far off from its electoral authoritarian characteristics.
However, it must be noted that the 2013 general election also showed some possibilities for a more open electoral political system. In particular, the notable increased support for the newly formed opposition party has transformed the national assembly into more competitive one. Although Cambodia has not yet escaped from its long-lasted electoral authoritarianism, various evidences indicate that the Cambodian people are trying to deviate from the long-lasting dominant ruling party. It is too early to predict the positive results of the general election to be held in 2018. There is, however, no doubt that the political transformation of Cambodian society is in a progress.