Norodom Sihanouk's return to Phnom Penh was a watershed moment in Cambodian politics and society. Exiled since 1975, during the brutal Khmer Rouge regime and subsequent conflicts, Sihanouk had navigated a complex political landscape involving various factions fighting for control of Cambodia. His departure from political life had left a leadership void that deepened the instability in the country. His re-emergence was timed with the Paris Peace Agreements, which aimed to end decades of conflict in Cambodia by providing a framework for peace and political reconciliation among the warring factions.

His arrival was met with massive public enthusiasm. Crowds of Cambodians gathered to greet him, expressing their longing for stability and peace. The celebrations highlighted a collective yearning for a return to normalcy and a restoration of Cambodia’s cultural identity. Sihanouk's reign had once been characterized by a blend of monarchy and popular governance, and many Cambodians hoped he could facilitate a return to that system. His supporters believed he could mend the divisions caused by the Khmer Rouge and other factions.

In the lead-up to his arrival, Sihanouk had positioned himself as a unifying figure who could bridge the gaps between rival groups, including royalists, communists, and other factions involved in the Cambodian civil war. His homecoming symbolized a new chapter in Cambodia’s history, and his leadership became crucial in convening the elections that followed, aiming to establish a legitimate government embracing multiple viewpoints and abiding by democratic principles.