commune election 2022
Hun Sen votes at the June 5 commune election. (Hean Rangsey/VOD)

‘Angel’ Soars: CPP’s Dominance in Numbers

This year’s election was marked by a tidal wave of support for the ruling party. As preliminary results come in, just four out of the country’s 1,652 communes voted in opposition commune chiefs, all from the Candlelight Party.

Khem Veasna. (Khem Veasna’s Facebook page)

Faith, Failure & Fealty: Khem Veasna’s Curious Path to Nirvana

Khem Veasna has long advocated for democracy, rule of law, and what he has called a true Buddhist path. But after repeated electoral letdowns, his League of Democracy Party has opted out of this year’s election as the leader has taken a stronger spiritual turn.

Village 3 chief Eng Vuthy, of Sihanoukville’s Muoy commune, in May 2022. (Danielle Keeton-Olsen/VOD)

Candlelight Hopes to Reclaim Sihanoukville’s CNRP Stronghold

The Candlelight Party describes Muoy commune as an opposition stronghold in Preah Sihanouk, where communities without land titles face precarious futures. A candidate who spent two years in jail over a land dispute thinks the issue will be his ticket to victory.

Da Chhean, KNUP’s commune chief in Banteay Meanchey’s Thmar Pouk, who is now helping his brother in the CPP, in May 2022. (Ananth Baliga/VOD)

Da for Defection: Sole Non-CPP Chief Joins the CPP

Ahead of the June 5 vote, the country currently has only one commune chief who is not from the ruling CPP: the KNUP’s Da Chhean in Banteay Meanchey. Chhean is now working with the CPP.