Despite numerous allegations of vote buying and other irregularities, international observers declared the results free and fair. An independent judiciary, including a Supreme Court with members designated by and responsible to the National Assembly, was established by the August 1990 referendum on multiparty rule. The court system is overburdened, understaffed, inadequately funded, and plagued by long delays in hearing cases. Prison conditions are reportedly harsh. Constitutionally protected freedom of expression is respected in practice.
Newspapers appear only sporadically due to economic constraints.
While the state controls a local press agency and the only radio and television stations, no law forbids independent broadcasting. Opposition parties receive free air time, and newsletters and pamphlets criticizing the government circulate freely. Freedom of assembly is respected. Citizens have the constitutional right to assemble and demonstrate with advance notice of two days. They may also travel freely within the country and abroad.