The ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) is holding a two-day extraordinary convention this weekend to discuss its 2023-2028 policy frameworks. Thousands of grassroots representatives are expected to attend.

Prime Minister Hun Sen, who is also the president of the CPP, announced the convention while addressing a January 26 graduation ceremony for seniors from Western University (WU) in Phnom Penh.

“We will hold the convention on January 28-29 to discuss our future policies. We will not consult with one person, or even 10. We have invited party members from across the entire nation, from the district level on up. We want to hear the thoughts of all of our representatives on the direction we should take over the next five years,” he said.

He explained that the party’s policy frameworks are not determined by him alone or by a few permanent members or the Central Committee, but by thousands of intellectuals from district levels.

“The problems of the people are what concern us. As I have said before, the 2023 budget was designed to serve the people, especially those who were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and those who are suffering from inflationary pressure,” he said.

The Phnom Penh Municipal Administration issued a January 24 notification to all drivers that detours and delays should be expected during the convention. The convention will be held at the party headquarters, in Tonle Bassac commune of the capital’s Chamkarmon district.