Evolution of Cambodia’s Senate Election System

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Cambodia is set to hold elections for its Senate, likely won by the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), which would make former Prime Minister Hun Sen president. Hun Sen would replace Say Chhum, who is expected to retire.

The Senate is meant to act as a check on the National Assembly, but in practice, it is essentially a rubber stamp body. The election is held under a party-list proportional representation system, with the National Election Committee (NEC) determining the number of seats in each constituency region.

The Cambodian Constitution permits the king to appoint two senators, while the National Assembly nominates another two, with the remaining 58 seats being decided by the voters.

The four contesting parties have completed a 14-day campaign period, with campaign activities ending 24 hours before election day. The other three competing parties are the Khmer Will Party, the royalist Funcinpec Party, and the newly formed National Power Party.

The Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) is holding meetings and broadcasting speeches at party offices across eight constituency regions during the campaign period. CPP Vice President Sar Kheng emphasized the importance of the Senate election for rebuilding the country and appealed to lawmakers and commune councils to vote on February 25.

Khmer Will Party President Sok Hach emphasized that a good result in the Senate election will help the party build towards the next local commune elections in three years and the 2028 general election, with the goal of achieving these elections.

Around 500 supporters of the National Power Party marched in Kampong Thom province, Cambodia, to vote for the party to restore democracy. The party’s president, Sun Chanthy, urged support for the 2027 and 2028 elections.

The ruling party, Funcinpec, National Power Party, and Khmer Will Party conducted election campaigns respectfully, with good security and order. Voting is scheduled for Sunday at 33 polling stations in eight regions. Cooperation between the NEC, parties, and authorities is expected.