20230718 AI Cambodia election img

Some 10 years after almost losing an election, Hun Sen, center, no longer tolerates competition from serious opponents as he maneuvers to transfer power to eldest son Hun Manet, left, in a reform-resistant, economically and politically fragile system. © Nikkei montage/Source photos by Reuters

Cambodia democracy dream fades as Hun Sen eyes election walkover

Strongman to coast to July 23 victory, signaling start of handover to eldest son

PHNOM PENH -- In July 2013, tuk-tuk driver Yem Vantith was one more smiling face in a crowd of tens of thousands as he campaigned through the streets of Phnom Penh for the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP).

"I was hoping that our country would become a real democratic country, that we would get full freedom, and our economy would improve," said Vantith, 49, showing a photo of himself 10 years ago on the campaign trail, his white hat and tie and tuk-tuk all displaying the CNRP logo.

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