Phnom Penh, November 6, 2024 — Senate President of Cambodia, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, offered his reflections on Donald J. Trump’s projected victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. In a social media post shared this evening, Hun Sen acknowledged the preliminary results indicating that Trump had prevailed over his opponent and is poised to assume the presidency.
"Although the election results in the United States have not been officially announced, the preliminary results show that Donald Trump has defeated his opponent and will be ready to be the new President of the United States!" Hun Sen wrote.
The Cambodian Senate President outlined three key factors he believes contributed to Trump’s electoral success:
Firstly, he suggested that American society may not be fully prepared to accept female leaders, despite the United States’ longstanding support for gender equality and democracy. Hun Sen pointed out that in this respect, the U.S. lags behind some ASEAN countries, such as Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia, which have all had female heads of state.
Secondly, Hun Sen observed that both of Trump’s presidential victories involved competing against female candidates. In 2016, Trump defeated Hillary Clinton, and in 2024, he faced off against Vice President Kamala Harris. According to Hun Sen, this recurring dynamic could reflect a unique pattern or “divine intervention” in U.S. politics.
Thirdly, Hun Sen highlighted Trump’s emphasis on peace in his campaign, a stance he described as “pacifism.” Trump’s messaging, which focused on a commitment to peace and opposition to war, particularly regarding the situations in Ukraine and Israel, may have resonated strongly with the American electorate. Hun Sen interpreted this focus on peace as a critical factor in Trump’s appeal, noting that voters responded positively to his rejection of further conflict abroad.
Hun Sen’s comments provide a rare glimpse into Cambodian perspectives on the U.S. election, especially as ASEAN countries continue to observe and engage with shifting dynamics in American leadership. As the final results are awaited, Hun Sen’s insights underscore the varied global interpretations of Trump’s projected return to office and its potential implications for international relations.
