Economic record
Hun Sen, now winner of the country’s past four elections, did little campaigning, leaving the CPP to run on its popular economic record and delivery of infrastructure to the countryside. But the CPP’s overtures came with a hint of menace, say analysts: Hun Sen also played on voter fears saying early in the election season that an opposition win could prompt civil war.
Sunday’s vote came as a country, once synonymous with the mass murders of the bloody Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s, has seen an average 7 percent growth, powered by donor aid, clothing exports, and Chinese investment. Cambodia is still one of Asia’s poorest countries, with 80 percent of the population working the land and income levels around the same as fellow garment-export hub Bangladesh.
Though the official election results won’t finish being tallied until around August 15, it appears this has been the closest race for Cambodia in almost two decades. Analysts say this is due in part to younger opposition voters who were energized by the return from self-imposed exile of Mr. Sam Rainsy, the opposition leader. (Read the Monitor reporting on the influence of young voters in Cambodia)