Cambodians are voting in local elections that could shake longtime ruler Hun Sen's grip on power.
Prime Minister Hun Sen has repeatedly warned of civil war if his Cambodian People's Party loses the majority in city and village councils to the main opposition party that made major gains in the last general elections four years ago and claimed it was cheated out of outright victory. The polls could have a major impact on Cambodia's political landscape ahead of 2018 national elections.
Hun Sen and his wife were among the early voters on Sunday. His government has been accused of using violence against opponents, but in recent years has stalked its foes mostly in courts.
After casting his vote, Kem Sokha, leader of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party, said he expects to win more than 60 per cent of the vote. In the last communal elections in 2012, Hun Sen's party received 60 per cent compared to the CNRP's 30.6 per cent.
On Friday, Hun Sen appealed to political parties to accept the outcome rather than make accusations of irregularities, saying courts can dissolve any party if it challenges the result of the vote.
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