Rights
A 1993 constitutional monarchy with a Constitutional Council
The 1993 Constitution, produced under the UNTAC settlement, establishes a constitutional monarchy with a bicameral legislature and a Constitutional Council to review conformity of laws. In practice the dissolution of the main opposition party in 2017 and subsequent amendments have concentrated political power, and the Council's independence is widely questioned.
Governing law
- Constitution of the Kingdom of Cambodia, 1993 — As amended, including 2018 amendments.
- Law on the Organization and Functioning of the Constitutional Council, 1998 — Referral procedure.
In practice
The King is head of state and reigns but does not rule; the monarchy is elective within the royal family. The National Assembly and Senate form the legislature; the Constitutional Council reviews constitutionality. Chapter III guarantees rights including property, expression and equality before the law. Treaties ratified by Cambodia form part of domestic law, and the Constitution references the UN human rights instruments. Constitutional Council referrals are limited to specified officeholders; there is no general individual complaint route. The 2018 lèse-majesté amendment and the 2017 party dissolution law are essential context for any political-rights question.