Politics & Government Guide · CambodiaPolitics & Government Guide in Cambodia
Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions
Cambodia operates as a constitutional monarchy but functions as an authoritarian one-party state dominated by the Cambodian People's Party (CPP). Hun Manet succeeded his father Hun Sen as Prime Minister in 2023, yet democratic reforms have stalled with ongoing repression of opposition, media, and civil society. King Norodom Sihamoni remains a ceremonial head of state.
Political Stability
Poor
Corruption Index
Poor
Democracy Index
Below Average
Government Type
Constitutional Monarchy
Legal System
Civil law system influenced by customary law
Head of State
King Norodom Sihamoni(since 2004)
Head of Government
Prime Minister Hun Manet(Cambodian People's Party)since 2023
Political Indicators
Political Stability
Scale: -2.5 to 2.5
Low stability
World Bank (2023)
Corruption Index
Scale: 0-100
Transparency International (2023)
Press Freedom
Scale: 0-100
Reporters Without Borders (2024)
Democracy Index
Scale: 0-10
Authoritarian
Economist Intelligence Unit (2023)
Legislature
Major Political Parties
Authoritarian
Voting Rights
Citizens aged 18 and over have the right to vote in national elections.
Recent Developments
- Hun Sen handed over power to son Hun Manet as Prime Minister in August 2023
- CPP maintained total control in 2023 National Assembly elections amid opposition suppression
- Government intensified crackdown on critics and opposition in 2024, including arrests over CLV development protests
- Restrictions on freedoms of expression and assembly tightened under Hun Manet in 2024
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