This is how election manipulation works in many places:

Mr A is in power and contesting against Mr B.
In areas where Mr A enjoys massive support, voting will be peaceful, free, and fair. Security agents will behave professionally, and the media will be invited to capture the “smooth process.”
But in areas where Mr B is popular, the story changes.
Thugs are deployed. Violence erupts. Ballot boxes disappear. Voters are intimidated. The entire process is sabotaged.
At the end, they point to the peaceful areas on TV and say:
“The election was free and fair.”
You are welcome to my beautiful country 🙃🙃🙃🙃