PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Cambodia’s opposition claimed a strong showing in local elections Sunday that could shake Prime Minister Hun Sen’s longtime grip on power.

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, which had made major gains in the general election four years ago, when it claimed it was cheated out of outright victory.

Sunday’s polls could have a major impact on Cambodia’s political landscape ahead of the 2018 general election.

Opposition party spokesman Yim Sovann said his Cambodia National Rescue Party won about 500 communes out of the country’s 1,646.

He said his party received 46 percent of the vote, up from 30 percent in 2012, while the ruling party got 51 percent. Official results will be announced June 25.

Associated Press