Hun Manet

Hun Sen says that will relinquish the prime ministership on August 22, after more than 38 years in power.

The announcement has raised doubts about a potential diplomatic reset between Phnom Penh and Washington.

Leader’s eldest son to become prime minister within “three to four weeks.”

Hun Manet took his father's place at a large rally marking the conclusion of the CPP's campaign for Sunday's vote.

This Sunday's national election will function as a prelude to the expected handover of power from Prime Minister Hun Sen to his eldest son.

The winner of next week’s election is clear, but the long-serving PM will face challenges in handing power to his eldest son while avoiding significant internal conflicts.

Changes to election laws will give Prime Minister Hun Sen added room for maneuver as he prepares to hand power to his son, Hun Manet.

Even if Cambodia's leader steps back from his formal duties as prime minister, it is hard to see him abandoning politics altogether.

Elections perform functions beyond simply designating a winner, and in that sense Cambodia’s polls will send important signals.

The result of July's election is largely a foregone conclusion, but serious retaliation from Western governments is unlikely.

The timing of the decision suggests that it followed attempts by old guard politicians to squeeze as much profit out of the Games as possible.

As the Cambodian leader contemplates retirement, there is growing opposition to his plan to create a family dynasty.