Cambodia 2023 election

The activists, who are reportedly close to opposition leader Kem Sokha, had criticized the government's treatment of King Norodom Sihamoni.

Kem Sokha, the former head of the banned Cambodia National Rescue Party, has also been banned indefinitely from voting or running for office.

It was conspicuous that one of Cambodia's last independent outlets was closed while King Norodom Sihamoni was away.

The CIVICUS Monitor has cited the “rapid decline in civic freedoms" as the country moves toward national elections in July.

For a party living under the constant fear of crackdown or dissolution, it might be wise to downplay its chances at the July poll.

Despite his party's nearly unchallenged dominance, Hun Sen is bent on preventing the emergence of a political alternative.

As the country heads toward national elections next year, the government is seeking to neutralize the influence of opposition leaders living in exile abroad.

The long-ruling CPP is almost certain to win this weekend's commune election, but a revived opposition could reopen the political space.