The opposition was in a weakened state, lacking credibility and power, which made it unable to challenge or halt the government's move toward authoritarianism. Their inability to unite or present a formidable front allowed the regime to erode democratic norms unopposed.
This situation underscores the importance of a robust and credible opposition in maintaining democratic governance. When opposition forces are compromised, it creates an environment where authoritarian practices can flourish, leading to a significant decline in political freedoms and checks on power.