Kais Saied Poised for Re-election in Tunisia Amid Controversies
President Kais Saied is predicted to win Tunisia’s presidential election with 89.2% of the vote based on exit polls, securing his position three years after a significant power shift. Voter turnout was low at 27.7%, with opposition figures largely absent due to imprisonment or disqualification. The political and economic climate remains tense as Saied’s administration faces accusations of authoritarianism and corruption.
Tunisian President Kais Saied is poised for re-election, garnering 89.2 percent of the votes according to an exit poll released by state television. This outcome underscores Saied’s consolidation of power following a significant political upheaval three years prior. The official results from Tunisia’s Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE) will be disclosed on Monday evening, yet the preliminary data suggests a commanding lead for Saied despite a modest voter turnout of 28 percent. Saied, who is currently 66 years old, faced competition from Zouhair Maghzaoui, leader of the Chaab Party and a former ally, who obtained 3.9 percent of the vote. Businessman Ayachi Zammel, initially viewed as a serious contender, secured 6.9 percent but was unable to participate fully after being incarcerated last month. The ISIE reported a turnout of 27.7 percent, slightly below expectations of around 30 percent, as political dissent has escalated in recent months with many high-profile opposition figures imprisoned on various charges. Notably, Rached Ghannouchi, head of the Ennahda party, has been detained, highlighting the significant opposition faced by Saied’s administration. Since taking office in 2019, Saied has been criticized for rolling back the democratic progress achieved after the 2011 Arab Spring revolution, actions he defends as necessary to combat corruption and treachery within the political elite. Political tensions mounted in the lead-up to this election as the electoral commission appointed by Saied disqualified three candidates, which provoked widespread dissent from opposition and civil society groups. Tunisia currently grapples with a sluggish economy, soaring inflation, and high unemployment rates, contributing to civil unrest. Recent legislative actions by Saied’s supporters have also significantly weakened the judiciary’s authority over electoral disputes, which critics view as undermining what remains of the independent judicial framework. In 2021, Saied’s decision to dissolve the parliament and amend the constitution was perceived by many as a coup, especially as the new constitution passed with only a 30 percent turnout at the referendum. Furthermore, the subsequent parliamentary elections saw an abysmal engagement of merely 11 percent, raising concerns regarding the legitimacy of the electoral process and the health of democracy in Tunisia.
Tunisia has experienced significant political changes since the Arab Spring in 2011, a movement that led to the ousting of long-time ruler Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. The transition towards democracy has been tumultuous, with various parties vying for power. Kais Saied, elected in 2019, took drastic steps in 2021, which many critics label as authoritarian, including dissolving the parliament and rewriting the constitution. His recent electoral maneuvering has raised questions about the state of democracy and civil rights within Tunisia. While Saied claims to be fighting corruption, the suppression of political opposition and diminishing civil liberties signal a troubling trend for Tunisia’s democratic aspirations.
In summary, President Kais Saied appears set to retain leadership in Tunisia following the latest elections, amid claims of significant voter support contrasted with low turnout figures. His administration has encountered increasing opposition, as many former political figures face imprisonment, stifling dissent. These developments, coupled with a struggling economy and allegations of undermining democratic institutions, mark a critical juncture for the future of Tunisia’s political landscape. The legitimacy of Saied’s re-election and the impact on Tunisia’s democratic heritage will unfold in the days and months to come.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
