October 24, 2023
PHNOM PENH – The Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) is set to sign a “Cooperation and Coalition Agreement” with 27 other parties at an event to be presided over by CPP president and former prime minister Hun Sen on October 25.
Hun Sen has expressed support for the numerous parties eager to form an alliance with the CPP.
This move comes in response to the recent formation of an opposition group, the “Coalition Towards the Future”, which comprises four parties: the Candlelight, Khmer Will, Grassroots Democratic and Cambodia Reform Parties.
CPP spokesperson Chhim Phalvorun said on October 22 that the forthcoming agreement aligns with factions that share similar stances and policies to the CPP.
“The content of the agreement will remain confidential until its signing, consistent with the practice of other groups, who reveal details only during a press conference,” he noted, referencing the recent media briefing by the opposing four-party coalition.
Dharmacracy Party president Pothitey Sawathey said that the coalition with the CPP, which includes her party, is something that the country hasn’t seen in 500 years.
She stressed that joining the bloc is in no way detrimental, as each group retains its political right to contest elections independently – a provision also applicable to the opposition.
She emphasised that allying with the CPP serves national interests, political stability and peace, especially in light of global tensions that could precipitate a third World War.
Yang Peou, secretary general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, considers the formation of alliances among various factions a routine democratic process, provided they share a common objective and adhere to the law.
“I trust that these coalitions, whether aligned with the opposition or the ruling parties, will prioritise national interests. This is crucial, given the global challenges of wars and economic crises,” he added.