Cambodia's king, on Monday, issued a decree stating Hun Manet will succeed Hun Sen as Cambodia's prime minister. Hun Manet is the eldest son of Hun Sen, who was prime minister for 38 years. Hun Sen, one of the world's longest-serving leaders, after a landslide victory in July's election, had said that he was stepping down as prime minister and handing power to his eldest son.
The main opposition challenger, the Candlelight Party, was barred from contesting the elections over a technicality, causing critics to call the elections a sham and undemocratic. The ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) won 120 seats in the 125-member lower house. The US, EU and other Western nations have said the elections in July were neither free nor fair.
King Norodom Sihamoni issued the royal decree after Hun Sen sent a letter requesting the official note, BBC reported. 45-year-old Hun Manet was until recently the commander of the Royal Cambodian Army. His appointment needs to be confirmed by the parliament via a cabinet vote on August 22.
Hun Manet's cabinet is likely to see a crop of young ministers, with several of them taking over the baton from their fathers. Hun Sen will continue to serve as leader of the ruling Cambodian People's Party.
Hun Sen, who came into power in 1985, has become increasingly authoritarian with him silencing opponents by either jailing or exiling them. "I will continue serving in other positions at least until 2033," Hun Sen told Reuters. Hun Sen, while dispensing political and business privileges to potential rivals to keep them happy, encumbered Cambodia with corruption and inequality. Analysts expect Hun Manet to lead with a more liberal approach and be more receptive to Western calls on human rights.
