Erosion of Election Integrity in Tunisia: Government Actions Raise Alarms Before Presidential Vote

Tunisian authorities have compromised the integrity of the October 6, 2024, presidential election by enacting last-minute changes to electoral law, excluding opposition candidates, and engaging in mass detentions of political adversaries. Recent amendments stripped the Administrative Court of its electoral jurisdiction, while the electoral commission has denied observer accreditation and targeted media, raising alarms about the fairness of the electoral process.

Tunisian authorities have significantly compromised the integrity of the presidential election scheduled for October 6, 2024, by amending electoral laws shortly before the election date, according to Human Rights Watch. The recent changes exclude opposition candidates and facilitate the arbitrary detention of political adversaries, independent media members, and civil society actors. On September 27, Tunisia’s legislative body, the Assembly of the Representatives of the People, enacted a law stripping the Administrative Court of its role in electoral matters, effectively removing a crucial check against potential abuses. Following a series of mass arrests, over 170 individuals now face political detainment, predominantly linked to the Ennahda opposition party. Concurrently, the electoral commission has unjustly barred election observers and has targeted media outlets. Bassam Khawaja, who serves as the deputy director for the Middle East and North Africa at Human Rights Watch, noted, “Tunisian authorities are systematically placing obstacle after obstacle in the way of a fair election and opposition candidates being able to campaign for president freely.” The recent amendments to the electoral law designate the Tunis Court of Appeal as the singular authority for resolving electoral disputes, prohibiting any other judicial body from engaging with cases concerning the forthcoming election. This legislative alteration follows a ruling by the Administrative Court reinstating previously excluded candidates, which the electoral commission disregarded, initiating the campaign with merely three candidates including the incumbent President Kais Saied. As the election approaches, a heightened crackdown on dissent has manifested, emphasizing detentions of political opponents. Notably, over a hundred members and affiliates of the Ennahda party were detained in a matter of days, with many still incarcerated under stringent counter-terrorism laws. Despite some releases, a significant majority remain in custody amidst investigations for alleged cybercrimes and insults directed at the president. Since the onset of the electoral period on July 14, authorities have targeted both civil society organizations and independent media. The electoral commission, restructured in 2022 to operate under government control, revoked accreditation from prominent observation bodies, citing alleged foreign funding. Additionally, this body has pursued prosecutions against media outlets for perceived violations related to the electoral process. Furthermore, the commission has escalated its role in prosecuting opposition figures, with numerous complaints resulting in convictions against political adversaries and critics. As a state party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Tunisia is compelled to ensure that all citizens can participate in genuinely free elections without discrimination. Khawaja urged, “Tunisian authorities should release all those arbitrary detained and allow civil society organizations and the media to operate freely, including during the electoral process. This blatant crackdown ahead of the election is only undermining its legitimacy.”

The situation surrounding Tunisia’s electoral process has deteriorated following recent legal amendments that limit judicial oversight and target opposition, raising concerns regarding the upcoming presidential election’s fairness. The government’s actions have drawn criticism from human rights organizations, which argue that these measures violate fundamental rights and impede democratic principles. Key players in Tunisian society, including the Ennahda party, have faced increasing suppression, leading to widespread arrests and media restrictions. This context is critical for understanding the dynamics at play in the country’s political landscape as elections approach.

The Tunisian government’s actions leading up to the presidential election reflect a concerning trend of undermining electoral integrity through legal amendments, suppression of opposition, and targeted detentions. The atmosphere of fear and control jeopardizes the potential for free and fair elections, raising substantial implications for Tunisia’s democratic aspirations. Without intervention to restore civil liberties and respect for democratic processes, the legitimacy of the electoral exercise remains in significant jeopardy.

Original Source: www.hrw.org