For now, only one tiger can roar in Phnom Penh

THE Cambodian proverb, "two tigers cannot live on one mountain", helps explain why the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) cannot tolerate the principal opposition party, the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP).

The CNRP was dissolved on Nov 16 on charges of plotting a coup against the government. The ban on the CNRP, imposed by the Supreme Court at the urging of the government, followed the arrest of its leader, Kem Sokha, on charges of treason on Sept 3, 2017. Mr Sokha was accused of plotting to take power with the help of the United States.

With the main challenger out of the way, the stage is set for a return to a two-party system between the CPP and Prince Norodom Ranariddh's Funcinpec Party, which may eventually become a coalition government, provided the latter party performs well in the general election next year.