In the lead-up to the election, a series of public protests  which took place despite a blanket ban on street protests  were dispersed by law enforcement officials, who used tear gas and batons to break up demonstrations.
Katika kuelekea uchaguzi, kulikuwa na mfululizo wa maandamano ya wananchi  ambayo yalitokea ingawa kulikuwa na kuzuiliwa kwa waandamaji mtaani waliosambatishwa na vyombo vya jeshi la polisi ambavyo vilitumia mabomu ya kutoa mchozi na marungu kuvunja maandamano.