Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has publicly declared his support for his oldest son, Royal Cambodian Army Commander Lieutenant General Hun Manet, 44, as his successor.
Facing upcoming elections, the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) has begun handpicking “new blood” to fill key positions, according to Cambodian media.
The 69-year-old Cambodian Prime Minister announced his full support for Lt. Gen Manet as a possible candidate to succeed him as Prime Minister while inaugurating newly completed roads and a wastewater treatment station in Preah Sihanouk province.
“I declare today that I support my son as my successor in the office of prime minister – but only through his election – not by any other means,” said Prime Minister Hun Sen.
Lt. Gen Manet graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1999, and holds a doctorate in economics from Bristol University in Great Britain.
His father, PM Hun Sen, remains one of the world’s longest-serving leaders after a full 36 years in power.
During his speech, Hun Sen explained that other countries have seen similar dynasties, referring to former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whose grandfather had also been Japanese Prime Minister.
He added that while he supports his son, there are other candidates for the position of prime minister, including Deputy Prime Minister Aun Pornmoniroth, who is also Minister of Economy and Finance.
Cambodia follows five-year national election cycles, with the next elections expected to be held in 2023.
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