Impending Election Victory for Tunisia’s Authoritarian President Kais Saied
Tunisia’s President Kais Saied, having jailed dissenters and consolidated authority, is anticipated to win the upcoming election without significant challenge. The opposition is largely absent, with key candidates imprisoned and numerous others disqualified, leading to widespread despondence among Tunisians regarding democratic processes. Saied’s actions reflect a stark departure from the democratic aspirations that followed the Arab Spring uprisings.
In the lead-up to Sunday’s election, President Kais Saied of Tunisia appears poised for an inevitable victory, raising urgent questions about the state of democracy in the country. With the absence of vibrant campaigning, as evidenced by the scarcity of candidate posters and a lack of public debates, many citizens view the impending election with apathy. The leading opposing contender has been imprisoned on what supporters claim are spurious charges, along with several other would-be candidates facing similar fates, including incarceration or house arrest, and numerous disqualifications from the electoral process. Although Tunisia was hailed as a beacon of hope during the Arab Spring—a decade ago after popular protests led to the ousting of long-time dictator Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali—the political landscape has shifted dramatically. Under Mr. Saied’s leadership and his inclination toward authoritarian governance, disillusionment prevails among Tunisians. Political dissidents are experiencing severe repercussions for their opposition, leading many to conclude that the era of democracy they once hoped for has dissipated. Souhaib Fercheche, a youthful civic activist, articulated the prevailing sentiment towards Mr. Saied’s regime, stating that he “is willing to do anything it takes to stay in power—dividing Tunisians, prosecuting them, accusing them.” This acknowledgment reflects a growing concern regarding the state’s encroachment on personal liberties and political rights, further underscored by Saied’s stringent control over the electoral framework.
Tunisia, often referred to as the birthplace of the Arab Spring, is facing significant political turmoil as President Kais Saied’s administration takes increasingly authoritarian measures to secure its hold on power. Following the 2011 revolution, which inspired numerous uprisings throughout the Middle East, Tunisia was seen as the sole success story of this wave of reform. However, over the past few years, the country has witnessed a concerning regression in democratic freedoms, with the centralization of authority under Saied’s leadership leading to a climate of fear and repression for political adversaries. The forthcoming election is characterized by a lack of competition as opposition figures are systematically silenced, raising significant doubts about the legitimacy of the democratic process in the country.
In summary, Tunisia’s upcoming presidential election appears to be a mere formality, overshadowed by President Kais Saied’s overwhelming control and the systematic suppression of opposition voices. With an electoral environment devoid of genuine choice and reflection of the public’s will, many Tunisians regard the voting process as devoid of meaning. Mr. Saied’s consolidation of power, marked by the incarceration of political opponents and a troubling disregard for democratic principles, illustrates a retreat from the aspirations born out of the 2011 revolution. The country’s journey towards democracy is at a critical juncture, overshadowed by the specter of authoritarianism.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
