Hun Sen returns to politics

Former Prime Minister Hun Sen is joining the Cambodian Senate race, paving the way for him to return to politics after resigning last year.

Hun Sen, 71, cast his vote near his home in Takhmao City, Kandal Province, on the morning of February 25 for a seat in the Cambodian Senate. The former prime minister said he intends to become Senate President.

Mr. Hun Sen casts his vote at a polling station during the Senate election in Takhmao city, Kandal province, February 25. Photo: AFP — Mr. Hun Sen casts his vote at a polling station during the Senate election in Takhmao city, Kandal province, February 25. Photo: *AFP*

Councilor Chhim Vanarith, who voted at the same venue, welcomed the move. “If he leads the Senate, it is clear that our country will be more developed and peaceful ,” Vanarith said.

Four political parties, including Mr Hun Sen's ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP), the royalist Funcinpec party and two small opposition parties, are participating in the election.

Of the 62 Senate seats, 58 will be elected by 125 MPs and more than 11,000 local governments. King Norodom Sihamoni will appoint two senators, while the National Assembly will appoint the remaining two.

Most eligible voters are CPP members, making Hun Sen's victory all but certain.

Cambodia’s National Election Committee is expected to take several weeks to announce final results, but voters in the capital Phnom Penh appear eager to see Hun Sen return to politics.

"He has a lot of experience so if he leads the Senate, our country will prosper," Oeu Siphon commune chief told AFP .

Vu Hoang (According to AFP )

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