Kais Saied Positioned for Landslide Reelection Amidst Authoritarian Concerns

Kais Saied is set to win the presidential election in Tunisia with 89.2 percent of the vote despite low turnout of 27.7 percent. Concerns arise among rights groups regarding the legitimacy of the election due to a significant power consolidation and the exclusion of opposition candidates. Saied’s anticipated victory could deepen authoritarianism and exacerbate existing socio-economic issues in Tunisia.

Tunisia’s President Kais Saied is projected to secure an overwhelming victory in the current presidential election, achieving 89.2 percent of the votes according to exit polls released post-election. Despite the anticipated victory, voter turnout was notably low at approximately 27.7 percent, raising concerns among rights groups regarding the legitimacy of the electoral process, especially following Saied’s earlier consolidation of power. Following the ousting of long-standing dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in 2011, Tunisia emerged as a symbol of democratic progress in the Arab Spring. However, after Saied’s election in 2019, the political landscape shifted dramatically. In light of the recent elections, independent body ISIE reported that only about 9.7 million citizens were eligible to vote in a population of around 12 million. Saied’s closest contenders, Ayachi Zammel and Zouhair Maghzaoui, are expected to receive significantly fewer votes at 6.9 percent and 3.9 percent respectively. Notably, Zammel remains imprisoned on charges related to his candidacy. Political analyst Hatem Nafti remarked that the legitimacy of the election is compromised due to the exclusion of viable candidates from the electoral race. Notably, ISIE disqualified 14 candidates for various technical reasons leading to concerns about electoral fairness. Furthermore, many voters expressed dissatisfaction with the electoral oversight, as local watchdogs were not permitted to monitor the voting process. Despite these issues, some citizens expressed support for Saied’s presidency, highlighting their belief in his policies. Following the announcement of exit poll results, hundreds rallied in the streets to celebrate. However, the political climate remains fraught, with ongoing crackdowns on dissent and detentions of political figures, underscoring fears of a regression into authoritarian rule. In previous speeches, Saied has alluded to foreign interference in Tunisia’s affairs and has encouraged citizens to rally behind his administration, alluding to a campaign against perceived conspirators. The political opposition, notably featuring detained leaders from various parties, raises the question of whether Saied’s new term will exacerbate existing socio-economic challenges in the country.

Tunisia is recognized as the birthplace of the Arab Spring, having witnessed the 2011 ousting of its long-time dictator, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, which sparked a wave of uprisings across the region. Since then, Tunisia embraced a democratic system, with multiple elections held. Kais Saied was elected president in 2019 amid significant public support. However, his tenure has been marked by increasing authoritarian measures, including a power grab in 2021 that allowed him to rewrite the constitution and stifle dissent. This electoral cycle has raised concerns about his consolidation of power and further erosion of democratic norms.

In summary, Kais Saied’s projected election victory reflects not only his significant voter support but also a troubling trend toward authoritarianism in Tunisia. The low turnout and disqualification of opposition candidates raise serious questions about the electoral legitimacy and the health of democracy in the nation. With ongoing political repression and fears of socio-economic decline, Tunisia’s political future remains uncertain as Saied prepares to assume another term in office.

Original Source: www.france24.com