Kais Saied Poised for Landslide Victory in Tunisia’s Presidential Election Amid Low Turnout
President Kais Saied is projected to win Tunisia’s presidential election with 89.2 percent of the vote amid low voter turnout of less than 30 percent. His opponents face marginalization, with the election process criticized as undemocratic. Saied’s presidency has seen escalating authoritarian measures and economic challenges, including high public debt and current account deficits, prompting nationwide dissent regarding political representation.
In Tunisia’s recent presidential election, President Kais Saied is projected to achieve a dominant victory, garnering approximately 89.2 percent of the votes according to an exit poll aired on state television. This anticipated outcome is expected to further reinforce Saied’s grip on power following his consolidation of authority in 2021. Official results are scheduled to be released on the evening of Monday. However, the election was marked by significant voter apathy, with less than 30 percent of eligible voters participating—the lowest turnout recorded since the 2011 Arab Spring revolution. Saied faced off against two candidates: Ayachi Zammel, a businessman currently imprisoned, and Zouhair Maghzaoui, a former supporter turned leftist challenger. Saied’s rise to power was largely fueled by widespread disillusionment with the political elite that emerged post-Arab Spring, which enabled him to position himself as a candidate of change. Despite facing opponents, Saied’s victory appears assured largely due to the marginalization of his challengers. His presidency has been characterized by economic challenges and a notable increase in political authority, particularly following the suspension of parliament in 2021 and his unilateral rewriting of the constitution. The political opposition has described the electoral process as a sham, rallying citizens to boycott the election. By the end of polling, only 2.7 million voters, equivalent to approximately 27.7 percent of the electorate, had cast their votes, a sharp decline from the nearly 49 percent turnout observed in 2019’s first round. Many potential candidates expressed interest in opposing Saied; however, the independent election commission, appointed solely by the president, approved only three to run. Since his election in 2019, Saied has increasingly demonstrated authoritarian tendencies, dissolving parliament and ruling by decree—a move his opposition has labeled a coup. He has publicly rejected any notion that he is limiting competition for the presidency, stating, “There are no restrictions on potential candidates for the presidential elections… this is nonsense and lies.” Furthermore, he reinforced his refusal to allow foreign interference in Tunisia’s political landscape. Economically, Tunisia faces deep-rooted issues, including an astonishing public debt now exceeding 80 percent of the nation’s GDP—up from less than 40 percent in 2010, just before the Arab Spring protests. Compounding the economic crisis is a current account deficit that has escalated to 15 percent of GDP alongside rampant inflation impacting essential imports, driven by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
This article discusses the ramifications of Tunisia’s third presidential election since the Arab Spring, highlighting the political landscape under President Kais Saied. His ascent to power in 2019 and subsequent actions to consolidate authority have generated significant debate about democracy and governance in Tunisia. The impact of low voter turnout further illustrates public disillusionment with the electoral process, reflecting broader socioeconomic challenges. Key issues include escalating public debt and economic distress, exacerbated by global trends.
In summary, the anticipated landslide victory of President Kais Saied in Tunisia’s presidential election underscores a troubling trend of diminishing voter engagement and increasing political repression. The exceptionally low turnout rates signify a significant disenchantment among the populace regarding their political representatives and the electoral process. As economic hardships continue to challenge the nation, the trajectory of Saied’s governance raises pressing questions about the future of democracy in Tunisia.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
