Article: Cambodian Prime Minister Extends Reign Amid Opposition Boycott of Parliament
Author: Thomas Fuller
Date Published: September 23, 2013
Link: Click here to read this article.
Author: Thomas Fuller
Date Published: September 23, 2013
Link: Click here to read this article.
This article is from the New York Times, and it covers the topic of the recent July 28th election of Prime Minister in Cambodia. Mr. Hun Sen, Cambodia's Prime Minister, won over the opposition even though it was at a deadlock, due to the fact that his opposition had boycotted the election in protest. The opposition had boycotted as a result of accusations of cheating throughout the election process. Although Hun Sen denies all accusations, his credibility in the government has been damaged, if not disabled completely.
After reading this article, I get a firmer grasp on how corrupt other developing countries can be. You hear all of the various conspiracy theories over how the United States's elections are rigged, or unfair because of one reason or another, but it really isn't much in comparison. In developing countries, like Cambodia, there really are major conflicts that exist in the country that involve rigged elections due to power and the influence that comes along with being wealthy. These corrupt politicians can really change the government in whatever they favor, as opposed to the United States's system of checks and balances.
This article greatly highlights the political issues that exist in Cambodia. The ability to control the outcome of something as major as an election for a government position shows how unstable the government really is. Even the opposition is aware of the corruption that is taking place, and felt the need to throw the election in order to make a point in its invalidity. The opposition had a clear chance at winning, but didn't feel like he should have to try to win an unfair election, even if it meant possibly becoming Prime Minister.