Former Cambodian leader Hun Sen has been promoted to the position of senate president, less than a year after handing power to his son. After a near 40-year rule, Sen stepped down in August and passed on power to his eldest son, Hun Manet. In the recent senate election, Sen’s ruling Cambodian People’s Party won 55 out of 58 seats. The remaining seats were taken by the opposition Khmer Will Party. As president of the senate, Sen will be able to act as acting head of state when the king is out of the country. Sen thanked the senators for the honor. This move allows him to further Cambodia’s international diplomacy. Although the senate is not a powerful political or legislative body, analysts believe Sen’s new role allows him to continue to dominate the country and consolidate power. Critics argue that his rule has been marked by environmental destruction, graft, and the elimination of political rivals.