The history of Democracy in Cambodia started this day in history, April 5, 1946, 65 years ago when then King Norodom Sihanouk signed a Royal Ordinance authorizing the formation of association, the freedom of expression and campaign for elections. According to Mr. Lek Sam Oeun in his book “Khmer Nationalist” printed in 2005, after the signing of that ordinance 3 political parties was formed all led by royal princes: 1) the Democratic Party led by Prince Sisowath Yutevong; 2) the Progressive Party led by Prince Norodom Montana; and 3) the Freedom Party of Prince Norindeth. The 31 May an Election Law was passed by the Royal Council and on September 1, 1946 the first election was organized.
The Democratic Party got the most votes and gained 50 seats, 14 to the Freedom Party and 3 seats to the Progressive. The 25th of September 1946 the first session of the National Assembly was inaugurated by the King and the Assembly was assigned the task of drafting the first Cambodian National Constitution. Led by the French educated Prince Yutevong President of the Democratic Party the work was done and the Constitution was adopted on May 6, 1947 as the highest Law of the Land. The law was not perfect because it was stated that all the power came from the King and He designates the Prime Minister with the approval from the National Assembly. But this Constitution had ended the absolute monarchy system that rules over Cambodia for the last 2 thousand years.
Unfortunately Prince Yutevong did not survive to see the fruits of his work. He passed away on July 8, 1947, of sickness. Many of his supporters in the Democratic Party were questioning the real cause of his death.
New election was organized in November 1947 with two more political parties competing: the Renovation Parting organized by Army Officers Nhek Tioulong and Lon Nol and the National Union Party of Mr. Khim Tith. Of the 75 seats, the Democratic Party got 54 seats, the Freedom Party 21 seats.
Due to conflicts between the Executive and the Legislative on September 18, 1949 the national assembly was dissolved. The internal security was bad with Khmer Issarak and Khmer Vietminh attacking the French occupation in Cambodia in the schemes of the struggle for national independence. Competition between political parties was also intense and on January 14, 1950 Mr. Ieu Koeus Secretary General of the Democratic Party was assassinated by a grenade attack.
On 5 September 1951 new elections were organized: The Democratic Party led again with 54 seats, the Freedom Party got 18 seats, and the remaining 6 seats to other small parties. On October 12, 1951 Mr. Huy Kanthul of the Democratic Party formed a new government. There was some disagreement between him and the King and the Huy Kanthul Government was terminated on June 15, 1952. Then the King declared himself as also the Prime Minister. The National Assembly was dissolved again on January 13, 1953 and it marked de facto the end of the democracy.
The King then launched the Crusade for Independence and after his abdication and the formation of the Sangkum Reastr Niyum, the sole party system, the rest is history.
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