Kais Saied claimed a landslide victory in the Tunisian presidential election with 90.7 percent of votes amidst a 28.8 percent turnout, highlighting significant national divisions. The election faced allegations of manipulation and suppression of opposition candidates, amid renewed public protests against Saied’s administration, raising concerns about the future of democracy in Tunisia.
Preliminary results indicate that Tunisian President Kais Saied has claimed a significant victory in the recent presidential election, securing 90.7 percent of the vote. However, this success was accompanied by a considerably low voter turnout of just 28.8 percent, underscoring the profound divisions within the nation. This election, characterized by legal disputes and allegations of electoral manipulation, has resulted in widespread skepticism regarding Saied’s legitimacy. Despite facing accusations of suppressing civil liberties and excluding potential challengers, Saied’s assertion that his administration represents a continuation of the revolution raises alarm bells. His comments about purging the nation of “corrupt, traitors and conspirators” reflect a troubling trend of increasing authoritarianism. The electoral process leading up to the vote faced criticism due to the apparent elimination of opposition candidates, as only three of the seventeen aspiring candidates were allowed to run, one of whom was already imprisoned. Furthermore, significant protests against Saied’s governance had re-emerged in the weeks preceding the election, with demonstrators denouncing state repression and curbed freedoms. Analysts highlight that while Saied managed to mobilize his support base, divisions within the opposition led to a lack of coherent challenge against him. Many critics have voiced concerns about the implications of his victory, predicting an escalation of repressive measures aimed at consolidating his power. Moreover, international reaction, particularly from the European Union, seems muted amid a backdrop of ongoing security cooperation focused on managing migration flows into Europe. Observers argue that this may enable Saied to continue his authoritarian trajectory under the pretenses of national stability and security.
The backdrop of this election centers on the political landscape of Tunisia following the 2011 revolution, which sought to establish democratic governance after years of autocratic rule. Since taking power, President Kais Saied has enacted measures that many perceive as undemocratic, including the closure of parliament and the dismissal of the prime minister in July 2021. The current election reflects ongoing tensions between Saied’s administration and a populace divided in response to these governance issues. Rights organizations have voiced concerns about civil liberties and the integrity of the electoral process, drawing attention to a pattern of repression against dissenting voices and opponents. This has culminated in public protests and accusations of a manipulated electoral process, raising questions about the legitimacy of Saied’s presidency.
The preliminary election results for President Kais Saied, marked by significant vote accumulation amidst alarmingly low turnout, signal deep unrest within Tunisian society. Saied’s method of consolidating power, characterized by the exclusion of opponents and an increase in state repression, poses serious concerns for the future of democracy in Tunisia. The apparent acceptance by international entities of Saied’s authoritarian practices reflects a prioritization of political stability and migration control over the establishment of democratic norms. The implications of these developments potentially forecast an intensified environment of repression and decreased political freedom.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
