Cambodia begins era of one-party rule

Business as usual: Sihamoni (centre) being followed by Hun Sen (right) while reviewing a guard of honour during the opening ceremony of parliament at the national assembly building in Phnom Penh. — AFP

PHNOM PENH: Cambodia’s new parliament met for the first time, launching an era of one-party rule after an uncontested election handed the ruling party of strongman Hun Sen all 125 seats.

July’s poll has been derided internationally after the only credible opposition party was disbanded before the vote. Lawmakers from Hun Sen’s Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) took their seats as Heng Samrin, the parliament’s oldest member, was appointed as temporary prime minister yesterday.