Political contest heralds policy changes in Cambodia

Subject

The outlook for Cambodia's 'culture of dialogue'.

Significance

Since reaching a deal in July 2014, the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) and the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) have embarked on a tentative process of political rapprochement commonly dubbed the 'culture of dialogue'. As part of this, on April 9 the National Assembly voted to confirm the overhaul of the National Election Committee (NEC) by the appointment of nine new members.

Impacts

• The contest between the ruling and opposition parties may spur educational and healthcare reforms.
• Calls for government accountability will produce modest anti-corruption results.
• Claims of electoral malpractice mean Cambodian elections will take time to achieve popular legitimacy.
• Demographic change will increase pressure for political reforms.