Vote counting continues from today's (Sunday's) local elections in Cambodia, aimed at completing the country's transition to democracy after decades of war and political unrest.

At stake were the leadership posts on more than 16-hundred village and district councils.

Official results are not expected for about two weeks. But preliminary results from political and observer groups indicate the ruling Cambodian People's Party of Prime Minister Hun Sen will retain control of a majority of the local councils. The opposition Sam Rainsy party appears to have made significant gains around the capital Phnom Penh.

The elections were the first of their kind in Cambodia in 30 years, but the polling was marred by violence and complaints of intimidation. At least 20 opposition candidates and campaign workers were killed during the campaign.

Sunday's vote was generally peaceful, and Hun Sen has denied opposition charges the ruling party was behind the killings.

On the eve of voting, the body of a candidate of the opposition Sam Rainsy Party (Ban Bon) was found hanging in his home. Police ruled it a suicide, but party officials said they suspect foul play. A member of an independent election monitoring group was killed Friday.

(bobb advisory,ap,prev)

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