Cambodian King Norodom Sihanouk has returned home from medical treatment in China, saying he hopes his presence will ensure peace and stability during key elections next week.

The 79 year-old monarch has been away for almost two months. During that time, human rights groups have increasingly voiced concern that violence and intimidation could hinder free and fair elections.

At least eight candidates and 13 other political activists have been killed in the lead-up to Sunday's vote - Cambodia's first local elections in three decades. Most of the victims were members of the political opposition.

In the latest incident, an activist from the royalist Funcinpec Party was shot dead on Monday, along with his wife, in western Pursat province. Cambodian police dismiss any political link to the killings.

Prime Minister Hun Sen has appealed for calm ahead of the vote for local district officials. His ruling Cambodian People's Party now holds all the district leadership positions.

The New York-based group, Human Rights Watch, has urged international donors to put more pressure on the Cambodian government to protect candidates and to investigate campaign violence.

Some information for this report provided by AFP and AP.

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