The presidential election in Tunisia seems to be favoring incumbent President Kais Saied, projected to win with 89.2% in an election criticized for lack of credibility and integrity, marked by a dismal turnout of under 28%. Many significant opposition figures were barred from running or are imprisoned, raising concerns about democratic processes in a country struggling with economic issues.
Incumbent President Kais Saied appears to have secured a second term in office following the closure of polls in Tunisia’s presidential election on a recent Sunday evening. Election results, however, have been clouded by allegations from the opposition regarding the election’s credibility and integrity. Many significant political challengers were barred from participating in the election, with one of Saied’s two main rivals currently incarcerated. Initial reports from an exit poll, aired by public television, indicated that President Saied, aged 66, was projected to receive an overwhelming 89.2% support; however, this figure was based on a dismally low voter turnout of less than 28%, the lowest recorded since Tunisia’s 2011 revolution. Should these results be confirmed in the coming week, it will eliminate the need for any runoff. Saied’s immediate rivals included former lawmaker Zouhair Maghzaoui, 59, who supported the president’s consolidation of power in 2021 but later decided to challenge him. He was expected to amass approximately 3.9% of the votes. The other contender, Ayachi Zammel, 47, is a relatively unknown businessman currently serving a 14-year prison sentence for alleged electoral fraud, yet he was estimated to garner around 6.9% of the vote. The leaders of larger opposition parties are either imprisoned or disqualified from running due to an electoral commission appointed by Saied. One notable imprisoned opposition figure is Rached Ghannouchi, the head of the Islamist Ennahdha party, which formerly dominated Tunisian politics. Tunisia, the cradle of the Arab Spring, initially showcased a hopeful shift towards democracy after the ousting of autocratic ruler Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. However, since Saied’s election victory in 2019, he has systematically dismantled democratic institutions, shut down parliament, and rewritten the constitution, steering the nation back towards authoritarian rule. Human Rights Watch documents that over 170 individuals have been detained for political reasons or for exercising their rights. Despite Saied’s impending electoral victory, he has dismissed claims of undermining democracy, labeling his opponents as traitors. Saied’s five-year presidency has been marred by ongoing economic challenges, including shortages of basic goods, high unemployment, and soaring inflation. He has displayed reluctance to pursue unpopular fiscal reforms required to secure IMF loans amid a backdrop of significant governmental debt. Tunisia’s economic survival currently relies on recovering tourism and financial support from the European Union, entailing strict measures against migration.
This article discusses the current political and electoral landscape in Tunisia, focusing on the recent presidential election in which incumbent President Kais Saied appears to have gained overwhelming support, despite serious concerns regarding the election’s legitimacy. Tunisia’s democratic aspirations post-Arab Spring have been gravely tested, as many opposition leaders face imprisonment or disqualification from political participation, resulting in a concentration of power in Saied’s hands. The economic difficulties experienced during Saied’s tenure further complicate Tunisia’s political climate, linking governance to essential reforms.
In conclusion, President Kais Saied’s likely re-election highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Tunisia regarding democratic governance and political freedom. With key opposition figures excluded or jailed, and a backdrop of economic crisis, the future of Tunisia’s democratic processes remains precarious. The reported low voter turnout indicates widespread disillusionment among the populace, which may signal deeper issues within the political framework established under Saied’s administration.
Original Source: www.dw.com
