What are the major political parties in Cambodia?

In Cambodia, the major political parties are the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) and the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP).

The Cambodian People's Party (CPP) is the ruling party in Cambodia and has been in power since 1979. It was founded in 1951 and has its roots in the communist movement. The CPP is led by Prime Minister Hun Sen, who has been in power since 1985. The party has a strong presence in the National Assembly and controls most of the local governments in the country. The CPP is known for its conservative and nationalist policies, focusing on economic development and maintaining political stability.

The Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) is the main opposition party in Cambodia. It was formed in 2012 through a merger of two smaller parties, and it gained significant support in the 2013 general elections. The CNRP is led by Sam Rainsy and Kem Sokha, who have been prominent figures in Cambodian politics. The party advocates for democratic reforms, human rights, and social justice. However, in 2017, the CNRP was dissolved by the Supreme Court, leading to a consolidation of power for the CPP.

Apart from these two major parties, there are several smaller political parties in Cambodia, such as the Funcinpec Party, which was once a major political force but has declined in recent years. Other smaller parties include the Grassroots Democracy Party, Khmer National United Party, and Khmer Will Party. These parties have varying degrees of influence and representation in the National Assembly.

It is important to note that the political landscape in Cambodia has been marked by controversies and challenges to democratic processes. The dissolution of the CNRP and the subsequent crackdown on opposition figures and civil society organizations have raised concerns about the state of democracy in the country. The dominance of the CPP has led to limited political competition and a lack of pluralism in Cambodian politics.