The National Democratic Institute announced its pre-election assessment on June 4

noting improvements in the electoral process, but said critical flaws could ultimately

give the election results "little democratic meaning". The NDI noted its

concern at the authorities' decision to sanction partisan electoral bodies, restrict

free assembly, intimidate and bribe voters, and obstruct the use of media by opposition

parties. It said "extraordinary efforts" were needed to improve the political

environment ahead of the election.