Hun Sen becomes Cambodia’s Senate president, allowing him to act as head of state when king is overseas
- The former Cambodian leader took over the country’s second-highest ceremonial role less than a year after handing power to his son Hun Manet
- The position allows Hun Sen to act as acting head of state when the king is overseas. Analysts say it will mean he continues to dominate Cambodia
Hun Sen stepped down in August after nearly four decades of iron-fisted rule, passing the baton to his eldest son Hun Manet following a landslide win in national polls held without any significant opposition parties.
In February his ruling Cambodian People’s Party won 55 seats – including his own – out of 58 in the Senate election, with the opposition Khmer Will Party taking the remainder.
On Wednesday senators unanimously voted to approve Hun Sen as president of the senate after King Norodom Sihamoni convened its first meeting.
The position allows Hun Sen to act as acting head of state when the king is overseas.
Addressing the senators after the vote, Hun Sen thanked them for the “honour”.
“It is my first time to sit on such a high chair,” he said, saying he would use the second-highest ceremonial role – only superseded by the king – to further Cambodia’s international diplomacy.
