Prior to the vote, the opposition called for a general boycott, and protests broke out against the president in several cities, notably Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire. 
Kabla ya kupigwa kura hiyo, vyama vya upinzani vilitangaza kususia zoezi hilo, na maandamano yalilipuka kumpinga rais katika miji kadhaa, hususani Brazzaville na Pointe-Noire.