A former opposition lawmaker from Kampong Speu has announced his departure from the Cambodia National Rescue Party and his decision to align himself with a newly rebranded political movement. Suon Rida said he is joining the Progressive Democratic Party, which is led by former senior members of the dissolved opposition.
In a post on his Facebook page, Suon Rida said he decided to leave the CNRP and return to political life in Cambodia to contribute to the country’s development and serve the interests of Cambodian citizens.
He described the Progressive Democratic Party as a movement that is committed to the nation and the people, and one that follows democratic principles similar to those seen in advanced democracies.
Suon Rida said the party represents a new home and a renewed source of hope. He added that it promotes fair political competition, unity among Cambodians, and the prioritizing of national interests.
On November 21, the party announced that the Ministry of Interior had formally approved its new name on November 13. It previously operated as the Cambodia Nationalist Party and adopted its new identity following an extraordinary congress held on September 28.
The Progressive Democratic Party is led by Yem Ponhnearith, a former CNRP lawmaker who lost his political rights for five years after the CNRP was dissolved by the Supreme Court. His rights were restored in April 2021 after submitting a request to the king.
In a Facebook post on Monday, Yem Ponhnearith said the party’s charter clearly outlines mechanisms intended to reflect genuine universal democratic standards. These include the separation of authority among three committees: a directorate committee, an executive committee, and a disciplinary committee.
He added that the party’s rules limit its president to two terms, equal to ten years. Its core policies focus on the economy, social welfare, education, health care, and national defence.
According to Yem Ponhnearith, the charter also sets out plans to unite Cambodians who support democracy, both inside and outside the country. It also pledges to defend Cambodia’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity against any form of external aggression.
