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Election Date: July 26, 2003

At stake: National Assembly

Background

The history of Cambodia, a French protectorate that became independent in 1954, changed forever with the emergence of the Khmer Rouge guerrilla. An estimated 1.7 million people died under the brutal hand of Pol Pot after the communist armed group took control of the country in 1975. Many Cambodians were deemed "enemies of the state" and executed, while others perished from starvation.

The Khmer Rouge regime left Cambodia as one of the poorest countries in the world. In 2003, despite boasting vast forests, illegal logging resulted in severe environmental damage. Another problem was the sex trade, as 100 new cases of HIV infection were reported every day.

Prime minister Hun Sen has held power since 1985, through a series of coalitions between his Cambodian People's Party (KPK) and other political forces. Sen has been accused repeatedly of being a top officer with the Khmer Rouge. The prime minister has claimed that he was only a soldier.

Efforts to prosecute members of the Khmer Rouge continue, and an agreement between the government of Cambodia and the United Nations (UN) was reached on Jun. 6.

During the electoral campaign, political violence remained a common occurrence. Human rights organizations reported that as many as 12 opposition activists and two members of the ruling party were killed. UN envoy Peter Leuprecht claimed that a culture of intimidation still exists in Cambodia, as officials confiscated voting cards in some locations. While a total of 27 parties fielded candidates, only the royalist United National Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia (FUNCINPEC) and and the opposition Sam Rainsy Party (PSR) were expected to challenge the KPK.

Election day arrived with only one violent incident, an explosion outside FUNCINPEC's headquarters. Despite claims of intimidation and vote-buying, international observers said the vote was free and fair.

The definite allocation of seats in the National Assembly was announced on Aug. 31. Sen's KPK got 2.45 million votes, while Sam Rainsy was second, slightly ahead of FUNCINPEC. The KPK secured 69 seats, falling short of the two-thirds majority (82 seats) required to form a government under Cambodian law.

The newly elected members were sworn in on Oct. 4. After weeks of uncertainty, the three major political organizations agreed to participate in the new administration on Nov. 5. The actual formation of the new government was delayed several times.

Political Players

King: Norodom Sihanouk
Prime minister: Hun Sen - KPK

Legislative Branch: The Radhsphea ney Preah Recheanachakr Kampuchea (National Assembly of Cambodia) has 123 members, elected to five-year terms by proportional representation. The Senat (Senate) has 61 members, appointed by the King on recommendation of the parties in the National Assembly.

Results of Last Election:

National Assembly - Jul. 27, 2003

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