Tunisia’s Presidential Election: Kais Saied Poised for Victory Amid Low Voter Participation

President Kais Saied is projected to win Tunisia’s presidential election with 89.2 percent of the vote amid alarming voter apathy, as only 27.7 percent of the electorate participated. Saied’s political opponents faced marginalization, with the opposition urging a boycott of the perceived illegitimate elections. Tunisia’s economic challenges persist, complicating Saied’s rule characterized by rising autocracy since 2021.

Tunisia’s recent presidential election has projected President Kais Saied to secure a substantial victory with 89.2 percent of the votes, as indicated by an exit poll released on state television. This anticipated triumph would reinforce Saied’s authority following his significant consolidation of power in 2021 when he suspended parliament and amended the constitution. However, the election was marred by notable voter apathy, with under 30 percent participation recorded, a considerable decrease from the nearly 49 percent turnout in the first round of the 2019 election. Saied faced two opponents: businessman Ayachi Zammel, currently imprisoned, and Zouhair Maghzaoui, a leftist former ally. Many contenders had proclaimed their intention to challenge Saied, yet only three candidates were sanctioned by the election commission, which operates under his control. The opposition condemned the elections as a sham and urged a boycott. President Saied, having ascended to power by highlighting widespread discontent with the post-Arab Spring political establishment, continues to face criticism amid Tunisia’s economic challenges, including a public debt exceeding 80 percent of the national income and inflation-driven price surges on essential imports, worsened by the repercussions of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The election highlights a growing trend towards autocracy in Tunisia, as President Saied has demonstrated a reluctance to share power, labelling his critics as “non-patriots” while maintaining a firm stance against external interference in Tunisia’s political affairs. Official election results are anticipated to be released on Monday evening.

The context of Tunisia’s presidential election is set against the backdrop of the 2011 Arab Spring revolution, which radically changed the country’s political landscape. Kais Saied emerged into power in the 2019 elections, capitalizing on public discontent with the existing political order. Following his ascent, Saied has faced significant challenges, including economic difficulties marked by high public debt and inflation. His consolidation of power began in 2021 when he suspended parliament, prompting allegations of a coup from opposition factions. The recent election reflects the ongoing tensions in Tunisian politics, where a significant portion of the electorate feels disenfranchised as evidenced by low voter turnout on election day.

In summary, Tunisia’s presidential election outcome is anticipated to affirm President Kais Saied’s dominant position within the political arena, despite the historic low voter engagement that undermines the election’s legitimacy. The backdrop of rising autocratic tendencies and economic turmoil presents a challenging future for Tunisia, raising concerns about democratic governance and civil liberties moving forward.

Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net