Kais Saied Poised for Electoral Victory Amid Low Turnout in Tunisia’s Presidential Election
Tunisian President Kais Saied is anticipated to achieve a substantial electoral victory with 89.2 percent of votes amidst low voter turnout of 27.7 percent. The election has been marked by significant apathy and claims of political repression, with Saied’s main opponents either imprisoned or marginalized. His governance has faced criticism for increasing authoritarianism and economic struggles.
Tunisian President Kais Saied is projected to secure a substantial victory in the presidential election, garnering approximately 89.2 percent of the votes, as indicated by an exit poll aired on state television. This anticipated result would solidify Saied’s governance following his consolidation of authority in 2021, although official results are expected to be announced later this evening. Voter engagement exhibited troubling apathy, with less than 30 percent of eligible voters participating in the election, marking a stark decline in turnout compared to previous elections since the Arab Spring revolution in 2011. President Saied faced two challengers: imprisoned businessman Ayachi Zammel and leftist candidate Zouhair Maghzaoui, who has historically aligned with Saied but has since become a critic. Saied’s potential victory is largely attributed to the isolation and imprisonment of his competitors. Kais Saied, a former law professor, rose to prominence by tapping into the pervasive dissatisfaction directed at the political elite following the Arab Spring. However, his tenure has been characterized by economic difficulties and the extension of his political influence after suspending parliament in 2021 and redrafting the constitution. Opposition groups called for a boycott, denouncing the electoral process as fraudulent. By the close of polling stations, approximately 2.7 million voters had participated, which corresponds to a turnout rate of 27.7 percent, representing a significant decrease from the 49 percent turnout seen in the initial round of the 2019 elections. Several candidates had expressed interest in contesting against Saied, yet only three were authorized to run, all of whom were vetted by an election commission appointed by the president. Entering his position two years prior, President Saied dissolved parliament in 2021, a move opponents have labeled a coup attempt. He has openly declared his unwillingness to cede power to what he terms “non-patriots.” In response to allegations of restricting candidates, Saied stated, “Whoever talks about restrictions is delusional” and emphasized that “there are no restrictions on potential candidates for the presidential elections… this is nonsense and lies.” Currently, Tunisia’s economy faces significant challenges, including soaring public debt, which has climbed to over 80 percent of the nation’s GDP—a drastic increase from approximately 40 percent in 2010, prior to the Arab Spring. Furthermore, the country is struggling with a 15 percent current account deficit as costs for imported goods, particularly essential items and energy resources, have surged due to global inflationary pressures and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The context surrounding Tunisia’s recent presidential election is inherently tied to the political landscape shaped by the Arab Spring of 2011, which precipitated the ousting of long-standing leader Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Following years of political turbulence and economic hardship, Kais Saied, a political outsider, captured significant public support in the 2019 elections by presenting himself as a reformist alternative to the established political class. However, after suspending parliament and rewriting the constitution in 2021, his administration has drawn critiques of authoritarianism and increasing centralization of power. The current election reflects broader issues of democratic participation, political freedom, and economic stability within Tunisia, amid a backdrop of rising public dissatisfaction and external economic pressures.
In conclusion, the projected landslide victory of President Kais Saied in Tunisia’s presidential election underscores a concerning trend of voter apathy and political consolidation amid economic strife. The turnout has reached alarmingly low levels compared to previous elections, highlighting a potential crisis of confidence in the electoral process and governance. Saied’s commitment to maintaining power and rejecting claims of electoral restrictions raises questions about the nation’s democratic trajectory. As Tunisia grapples with significant economic challenges, the implications of these electoral outcomes warrant continued scrutiny and analysis.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
