Hun Sen’s ruling Party faces tough political future

The Cambodia Herald, January 14, 2014

PHNOM PENH (The Cambodia Herald) -- Voters dealt a big blow to the Cambodian People’s Party in the political boxing ring, but it is not a knockout, and it has only sent an alert signal. The blow, however, still spares the CPP to stand for its political champion.

The CPP won 68 seats, down from 90 seats, in the controversial 2013 elections while the remaining 55 seats went to the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party led by Sam Rainsy, a Cambodian-French politician.

The CPP has been brave enough to accept the weaknesses of its 2008-2013 ruling, that need to be reformed despite the amazing economic growth achieved by the CPP’s leadership. But the economic growth has been criticized to have been benefiting a group of city dwellers and not the poor vast majority in the rural areas. The majority of Cambodians remains living in poverty. Thus, many of them have overlooked the 5-year economic growth and have seen only one side of CPP’s weaknesses.

Those people were the ones who brought CPP’s 22 seats down in comparison to 2008 election. This group has been unsatisfied with the ruling CPP since jobs for youth, social justice have been neglected, and whereas corruption, partisans or nepotism remain widespread. They voted for the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) in a hope that a stronger opposition can play better role to minimize, if not get rid of, the abuse of power by the government officials.

Psychologically, the CNRP’s increasing number of seats has encouraged this opposition party to perceive that it almost reaches its goal. Thus, if the CPP wishes to maintain its power, it has to work harder from the beginning of the term. Otherwise, the CPP will be defeated by the opposition in the next election.

Hun Sen was brave enough to recognize the CPP’s shortages, and promised to undergo deep reform to better serve the Cambodian people. This promise was welcomed by the majority. But given the current social intricacies, one is still doubtful for the success for the next five years.

With the above thoughts, CPP is obliged to strictly educate the low level officials so that they are well disciplined and the local authorities may cease to pester their local people. In return, decent salary and better lives should be conferred.

In the meantime, superiors should serve as a model so that their officials continue their work responsibly and stay away from corruption, partisans and nepotism. National interests must be high above else.

It is easier said than done. It is recognized that the Government’s success for the next 5 years will rest on each official’s responsibility rather Hun Sen alone.

 It is time for the CPP and its leaders to boldly curve away their decomposed flesh. CPP’s reluctance to get rid of  the culprits will only affect the Party’s leadership as a whole.

Now the CPP has embarked on deep reform with big promise, which is an encouraging sign. However, actions will speak louder. The next five year will be tough for the CPP to undertake its promised reforms. Time will tell.