arrest or imprisonment of several opposition figures, ensured that there would be no real political challenge to the CPP during the elections. Ahead of the elections in July, Cambodia’s election law was also amended to prescribe that prospective candidates must have voted in at least two prior elections to qualify as a candidate at any level44. Together with the disqualification of the Candlelight Party, the amendment could be seen as a tactic for the ruling party to prevent opposition candidates to return to politics and challenge the power of the regime. After the dissolution of the CNRP in 2017, many opposition figures went on exile to avoid being arrested and imprisoned. As they were not able to vote in subsequent local and national elections, the amendment effectively bars their return to politics in the 2023 and future elections. Election law amendments also made it a crime to obstruct the voting process, call upon voters to spoil ballots, or undertake any action that would challenge the process45. As a result, many opposition activists were arrested and imprisoned after they protested the sham elections. During election day, the regime made sure that people went out 44 45 46 to vote, as a high turnout would further legitimize the election results. Part of these efforts include providing free buses to polling places, and ordering all businesses to allow employees to take up to three days off so they can have enough time to vote in their hometowns46. Over the years, the CPP’s efforts to remain in power included every possible way to control elections and political matters. Such measures have seen the introduction of repressive laws to help the regime control online space, which include a policy to establish the National Internet Gateway (NIG) as well as cybercrime and cybersecurity laws. However, at the end of 2023, the NIG has not been implemented yet, while the laws on cybercrime and cybersecurity still remain as drafts. The regime’s strategy of controlling information has extended to repression of the media. In February 2023, the government ordered the shutdown of the Voice of Democracy (VOD), the last independent media in the country. It has also blocked other news websites including Radio Free Asia, The Cambodia Daily Khmer, and Kamnotra ahead of the elections. Cheang, Sopheng. “Cambodian Lawmakers Approve Changes to Election Law That Disqualify Candidates Who Don’t Vote.” AP News, 23 June 2023, apnews.com/article/cambodia-election-law-amendmentopposition-7c3b279d30dead4520966c64cc9ebbef. “Cambodia Bans Exiled Opposition Figurehead From Running for Office.” Voice of America, 17 July 2023, www.voacambodia.com/a/cambodia-bans-exiled-opposition-figurehead-from-running-for-office/7184194. html. Koemsoeun, Soth. “PM Tells PP Governor to Deploy Public Buses so People Can Vote in Their Province.” Khmer Times, 12 July 2023, www.khmertimeskh.com/1322476/pm-tells-pp-governor-to-deploy-publicbuses-so-people-can-vote-in-their-province. 24