This article explores how the first results of the commune elections of June 5 in Cambodia show that a people’s desire for change can’t be wiped out at the stroke of a pen. After the arbitrary dissolution in 2017 of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) as the only credible opposition party, and despite the continuous atmosphere of fear and intimidation in Cambodia, hope for democratic change at the ballot box has been revived by the Candlelight Party (CP).