Kais Saied Set to Win Tunisia’s Presidential Elections Amidst Controversy and Low Turnout
President Kais Saied is poised for a decisive electoral victory in Tunisia’s presidential elections with 89.2% of the vote despite a low turnout of 27.7%. His main rivals, currently imprisoned, are projected to receive significantly lower support. Concerns grow regarding the legitimacy of the electoral process, characterized by the exclusion of candidates and allegations of political repression under Saied’s regime, which poses risks to Tunisia’s democratic framework.
In Tunisia, President Kais Saied is anticipated to secure a substantial victory in the presidential elections, projected to receive 89.2% of the votes according to exit polls released following the election. Despite this overwhelming support, voter turnout was markedly low, with only 27.7% participation reported. Saied’s main competitors, Ayachi Zammel and Zouhair Maghzaoui, are projected to receive 6.9% and 3.9% respectively. This electoral outcome comes three years after Saied’s significant power consolidation, which has raised considerable concern among human rights organizations regarding the deepening of authoritarian governance in Tunisia, a nation that once exemplified democratic aspirations following the Arab Spring. Following the removal of longstanding dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in 2011, Tunisia was hailed as the birthplace of revolts against despotism. However, Saied’s presidency, marked by a constitutional overhaul and a crackdown on dissent, has altered the political landscape dramatically since his election in 2019. The electoral commission reported approximately 9.7 million eligible voters in a population of around 12 million, yet turnout figures were alarming compared to 45% during the previous election in 2019, which represents the lowest participation since the revolution. Critics have raised alarms about the electoral process, noting the systematic exclusion of significant candidates and the credible threats of fraud surrounding the voting procedure. Hatem Nafti, a political commentator, stated, “The vote’s legitimacy is undoubtedly tainted with candidates who could have overshadowed (Saied) being systematically sidelined.” Some citizens expressed their desire for transparency in the political process, fearing autocratic control over the electoral outcomes. Saied has framed the elections as a step towards restoring national sovereignty against perceived foreign interference, pledging to eradicate corruption. Leading up to the election, protests emerged criticizing his leadership and labeling him as an autocrat. Human Rights Watch reported ongoing political detentions, asserting that over 170 individuals are imprisoned in Tunisia for their political beliefs or the exercise of fundamental rights. Saied’s main opponent, Zammel, contends with serious legal challenges that jeopardize his campaign.
The political landscape in Tunisia has changed significantly following the Arab Spring in 2011, during which the country emerged as a symbol of democratic change. However, since Kais Saied’s election in 2019 and subsequent power grab in 2021, concerns regarding democracy and human rights violations have escalated. Rights organizations have documented the suppression of dissent and extensive detentions of political opponents, which have overshadowed the electoral processes. The current presidential elections are occurring amidst fears that Saied’s re-election will exacerbate the existing authoritarian trends in a country with a history of democratic governance.
The projected electoral victory of President Kais Saied, alongside alarmingly low voter turnout and exclusionary practices within the electoral process, underlines a troubling trajectory for Tunisian democracy. The apprehensions voiced by civil organizations regarding expanding authoritarianism, coupled with protests against his rule, underline a critical juncture for Tunisia’s political future. As the political climate continues to evolve, the implications of Saied’s governance remain central to discussions about the country’s commitment to democratic principles and human rights.
Original Source: www.france24.com
