"Death of democracy" in Cambodia after the elections

. the chapter of power by strong man Hun Sen in the aftermath of an election strongly criticized by rights groups, the United States and other Western countries.

"The PCP won 77.5% of the vote and won all parliamentary seats" Sok Eysan told Reuters by phone. "The other parties did not win seats."

Related: On the eve of elections, Cambodian democracy crumbles

The White House announced that it was considering measures, including an extension of visas the restrictions imposed on some members of the Cambodian government, in response to the "flawed elections" in which there was no significant challenger to Hun Sen.

Critics say the election was a step back for Cambodian Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) democracy and the imprisonment of its leader, Kem Sokha, for treason charges.

Former CNRP President Sam Rainsy, who lives in exile, said the election was a "hollow" victory The Khmer Rouge commander who has ruled Cambodia for nearly 33 years [19659003TheUnitedStatesimposedvisarestrictionsonsomemembersoftheCambodiangovernmentfollowingacrackdownoncriticsandimposedsanctionsinJuneonaseniorofficialclosetoHunSen

The European Union has threatened Cambodia with economic sanctions.

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement that "the flawed elections have excluded the will of the Cambodian people". The country's main opposition party, represents the most important setback to the democratic system enshrined in Cambodia's constitution, "said Sanders." The United States will consider additional measures to respond to the elections and to take action. and other recent setbacks to democracy and human rights in Cambodia, including a significant expansion of the election campaign. "Government spokesman Phay Siphan said the declaration The White House was an attempt to intimidate Cambodia

"This is against the Cambodians who went to vote to decide their choice. "Even though the West has criticized the process, Hun Sen still has an important ally, China, who offered warm congratulations for a smooth election."

China has poured billions of dollars into development aid. and loans to Cambodia through bilateral frameworks and its Belt and Road initiative to build a new Silk Road.

"I believe that the election of the Cambodian Parliament is an internal matter in Cambodia" Foreign Ministry Spokesman Geng Shuang said at a press conference Monday in Beijing [19659003] "We hope that the international community can provide constructive assistance to Cambodia so that it remains stable and achieves development."

CNRP deputy director of foreign affairs, Monovithya Kem, said at a press conference in Jakarta on Monday that the party praised the White House statement and hoped others would follow suit. his example.

The CNRP also called on the international community to reject the result. 19659003] "July 29, 2018 marked the death of democracy in Cambodia, a new dark day in recent history," said CNRP Vice President Mu Sochua. "The results announced by the CPP and the National Electoral Commission must be totally rejected by the international community."

Cambodia's newspapers welcomed Hun Sen's victory on Monday.

"PPC dominates election: unofficial results show

Some independent media were targeted by Hun Sen and his allies during a pre-election crackdown.

More 82% of the people registered vote voted, according to the National Election Committee.The turnout was 90% in the local elections of 2017 and 69.61% in the previous general elections in 2013.

The offices of vote visited by Reuters in the capital, Phnom Penh, were silent Sunday and some voters voted

The CNRP had called on voters to boycott the election, but authorities have warned that whoever would do so would be considered a traitor

At the Kapkor Market in Phnom Penh, Meas Sinuon, 60, said she was happy with Sunday's result

"This government has already done good things," she said. says while shopping. "But I want the new government to do more to help people. "

Another voter, a tuk-tuk driver from Phnom Penh who refused to be identified, called the result" same ".

expected in mid-August

Prak Chan Thul and Amy Sawitta Lefevre of Reuters reported from Phnom Penh, Cambodia.