President Son Soubert Founded 22 July 2007 Political position Centre | Founder Kem Sokha Headquarters Phnom Penh, Cambodia | |
Ideology Khmer nationalism
Liberal democracy
Populism | ||
The Human Rights Party or (Kanakpak Sethi Manus) was a Cambodian political party founded on 22 July 2007 led by Kem Sokha.[1] Critics allege that its foundation is meant to weaken opposition parties and is driven by the ruling party. This sentiment, however, seems to be driven by the ruling party themselves as Kem Sokha has long been a very vocal critic of the ruling CPP party.
Human Rights Party is the first party in Cambodia to adopt the check and balance system, changing the culture of one-man-ruling parties, which most parties in Cambodia adopt. It is also the first party in Cambodia to have its major leaders elected in its convention. Its popularity has been dramatically increasing in Cambodia, especially in the countryside.
In the July 2008 parliamentary elections, the ruling party won a landslide majority and the Human Rights Party took third place.
In 2012 it merged with the Sam Rainsy Party to form the Cambodia National Rescue Party but the party still remains active until the 2017 Commune elections when it will officially disband.