Event Summary
The legislative and communal elections of 5 June 2025 took place in a climate of serious deterioration, marked by the intimidation of opponents, targeted violence against activists and numerous irregularities. Far from being a free and transparent democratic exercise, the elections were marred by alleged massive fraud, pressure on voters and blatant manipulation of electoral institutions. Several opposition parties were prevented from campaigning under fair conditions, while civil society and the independent media saw their operating space drastically restricted. Access to pluralist information was compromised by censorship and state propaganda. In this context, citizen participation was largely weakened, fuelling a deep sense of mistrust in the electoral process. Instead of strengthening democratic gains, this election marked a clear regression in political freedoms, institutional transparency and civic expression.