Cambodia – the return of democracy?
Most of the transitions from authoritarian rule toward democracy were extended processes rather than single events.
Cambodia is often associated with genocide under the Khmer Rouge rule.
Today, most of its population has no memory of these dark times - many desire socio-economic stability.
Their long-term leader Hun Sen is at the same time often criticized for crushing down on any form of dissident.
Among many people, the anger accumulates as to how Cambodia’s people and resources are governed. The country remains poor and developing.
But this month, we’ve seen the opposition being given a chance to stand in the local elections. Is it naive to believe that the one-party rule is finished in this Southeast Asian country?