Cambodian PM Hun Sen to step down after four decades

By AFP July 25, 2023 | 11:44 pm PT

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen looks on at a news conference after the European Union (EU) and the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) commemorative summit in Brussels, Belgium December 14, 2022. Photo by Reuters/Johanna Geron

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, one of the world's longest-serving leaders, said Wednesday he will resign and hand power to his eldest son after almost four decades of hardline rule.

His Cambodian People's Party (CPP) won a landslide victory in an election on Sunday, taking 82 percent of the vote.

"I would like to ask for understanding from the people as I announce that I will not continue as prime minister," the 70-year-old said in a special broadcast on state television.

The government hailed the 84.6 percent turnout as evidence of the country's "democratic maturity".

Under Hun Sen, Cambodia has tacked close to Beijing, benefiting from huge Chinese investment and infrastructure projects.

China welcomed Sunday's election, with President Xi Jinping sending Hun Sen a personal message of congratulation.