Cambodia Election: Polls closed, PM Hun Sen expected to win
Updated 22:04, 01-Aug-2018
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Cambodia's National Election Commission says just over 80 percent of voters turned out for the country's general election. The polls are now closed. Voters chose among 20 parties competing for 125 seats in parliament. The ruling CPP -- Cambodian People's Party -- is widely expected to secure a majority, extending Prime Minister Hun Sen's 33 years in office. Some voters have slammed the elections as unfair, as the Supreme Court dissolved the main opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party last year. Rian Maelzer reports from Phnom Penh.
RIAN MAELZER PHNOM PENH "After a few short early queues formed just as the polls opened at 7 a.m. Sunday, voters have just trickled in at many polling stations."
The biggest opposition political party, the Cambodian National Rescue Party, was ordered to disband by the supreme court late last year. The party's former leaders have called for a boycott of the vote.
But even many of those supporting Hun Sen have felt little drive to vote given that he and his Cambodian People's Party are bound to win comfortably.
Still some were determined to cast their ballots.
"I voted CPP because they have been in power a long time and have done a good job for a long time."
"I voted for the party I thought can bring development, end poverty, and maintain peace and stability."
Others though heeded the call for a boycott.
"I didn't vote because the 20 parties didn't include anyone I supported. The party I love is not on the voting list."
Foreign observers were seen at the polling stations, but the UN, US and EU withdrew all logistical support for the election. Given that the outcome is not in doubt, people will instead be closely watching the voter turnout. A low turnout could be seen as a blow to Hun Sen and the CPP even if it would have no impact on the final result. Rian Maelzer, CGTN, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.