The government also redrew the boundaries in some districts, weakening opposition strongholds.

There is no doubt, however, that the government reduced the number of polling places in opposition strongholds.

In the opposition stronghold of Homs, activists said army violence had actually intensified since the deal was signed.

The military responded by naming the hospital an opposition stronghold, taking it over on March 16.

Pusan, an industrial city of 3.6 million people, has long been an opposition stronghold.

Another group tried to enter the opposition stronghold of Nuwaidrat but were prevented by police.

A government decision to cut the number of polling places in urban areas, which are opposition strongholds, is likely to come under renewed scrutiny.

The ballot boxes in their town, an opposition stronghold, had been snatched by thugs loyal to the ruling party, they said.

It is known as one of the city's opposition strongholds.

As thousands of people pressed into Belgrade from opposition strongholds, some were spoiling for a fight.