Cambodia’s Prince Ranariddh to return as president of his old political party
Prince returns to politics as he again takes the reigns of royalist party FUNCINPEC, which he lead to electoral success in 1993
Prince Norodom Ranariddh has decided to return as president of the royalist party he led to victory in Cambodia’s first democratic election in 1993 but which has dramatically lost popularity since then, party sources said on Friday.
In a letter dated January 1, Prince Ranariddh said, “I have a great honour and delight to accept to be a president of FUNCINPEC ... to continue to lead our party again.”
FUNCINPEC Secretary General Nhek Bunchay told reporters on Friday he is holding talks with all people concerned to set a date for a party congress to nominate Prince Ranariddh as president of the party, currently led by Princess Arunrasmey.
He revealed that the deal was actually brokered by Prime Minister Hun Sen, who he said seeks reconciliation among the royalists currently split into two rival parties, neither of which has any seats in the National Assembly.
The 71-year-old prince, a son of the late King Norodom Sihanouk, previously led FUNCINPEC until 2006 when he was toppled, prompting a split in the party.
He announced his retirement from politics in August 2012 and has since been working as supreme privy councilor to King Norodom Sihamoni, his half brother.