Cambodian People's Party (CPP)

It is no longer enough to remain silent and keep out of politics. Cambodians are now required to actively affirm the ruling regime – including at the ballot box.

The Cambodian leader will not release his grip until the planned leadership transition to his son Hun Manet has been fully completed.

The Candlelight Party has been barred for failing to submit its original party registration document from 1998.

More revolutionary plots are alleged ahead of the July 23 poll.

Since the 1990s, accusations of foreign interference have occupied a privileged position in the Cambodian leader's rhetorical arsenal.

However, nine parties' applications have yet to be approved, including the Candlelight Party, the only one with any chance of challenging Prime Minister Hun Sen's CPP.

Even if Cambodia's leader steps back from his formal duties as prime minister, it is hard to see him abandoning politics altogether.

As July's election approaches, a growing number of opposition officials are following the well-worn path into Prime Minister Hun Sen's CPP.

Elections perform functions beyond simply designating a winner, and in that sense Cambodia’s polls will send important signals.

The result of July's election is largely a foregone conclusion, but serious retaliation from Western governments is unlikely.

The activists, who are reportedly close to opposition leader Kem Sokha, had criticized the government's treatment of King Norodom Sihamoni.