Hun Sen is one of the longest serving heads of state in the world. The longtime Cambodian prime minister made the announcement he will resign. Hun Sen's son Hun Manet will be his successor . This was a surprise considering that the Cambodian People's Party has remained dominant. The election victory has been questioned as many cite the political opposition was unable to operate. A 38 year reign of Hun Sen continued enabled by an autocratic state apparatus. The National Rescue Party was in no position to challenge the rule of the Hun family. Prime Minister Hun Sen will not retire from public life. He will maintain involvement in the government. The National Election Committee has the ability to prevent certain political parties from running. Hun Manet has an advantage coming into office. He is chief of Cambodia's army. This means the military has loyalty to him and can be used to suppress revolts. Cambodia's political system resembles that of Thailand and North Korea. The military has large amounts of influence in Thailand. North Korea has a dynastic system of succession under a one party state. Countries like Syria, Togo, and Chad share this trait even though they are not monarchies. Hun Sen's term is five years, but he did not specify a date for the transfer of power. No specific reason was made public for making the change. Laos and Vietnam are going to have more interest in what happens in Cambodia. Myanmar might find an ally in a Hun Manet regime.
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