March 04, 2004

Politics, Cambodian-style

Kampot, Cambodia

Since the demise of the Khmer Rouge in 1979 the Cambodian Peoples Party have held the reins of power in Cambodia. You see signs for them outside the house of local party organisers in every village. But you also see signs for the two main opposition parties. The royalist FUNCINPEC party, and the Sam Rainsy party, under the leadership of the very outspoken Sam Rainsy. Panna, my moto-driver in Siem Reap, is a local organiser for Sam Rainsy. He's hopeful of a change in government soon, and maybe better times.

Our guide to the Bokor Hill Station near Kampot was less optimistic. "I vote for the CPP", he said. "I know they are corrupt but they've had 24 years to line their pockets. I think they should be satisfied by now. If another party gets in all their cronies will start from scratch lining their pockets."

But for all the forthright discussion and freedom of expression Cambodia is now stuck in a political quagmire. At the last election, seven months ago, the CPP lost their absolute majority, but none of the parties are willing to form a coalition. As I understand it, the functioning of government has completely ground to a halt and no-one seems to know how or when it will get started again.

Posted by David at March 4, 2004 10:14 PM