Monarchy and Government in Cambodia
Cambodia follows a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary form of government. The king is the head of state, but the prime minister is the head of government. The current king is Norodom Sihamoni, who was elected in 2004.
Prior to August 22, 2023, the Prime Minister was Hun Sen, who had been in power since 1985. However, following the elections held on July 23, 2023, which Hun Sen won, he decided to pass on the mantle of leadership to his son, Hun Manet. As of August 22, 2023, Hun Manet is now serving as the Prime Minister of Cambodia, continuing his father’s legacy.
PM Hun Sen with son PM Hun Manet (Photo by Khmer Times)
Some key features of Cambodia’s constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy system are:
- The king serves as the symbolic head of state, while the prime minister holds real political power as the head of government.
- The country’s constitution supports a multi-party system, promoting political diversity.
- The king’s role is predominantly ceremonial; the prime minister is accountable to the National Assembly.
- The National Assembly, elected through universal consensus, possesses the authority to enact laws and oversee the government’s actions.
- Cambodia is a member of international organisations such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the United Nations and the World Trade Organization.
