In Tunisia’s presidential election, President Kais Saied is expected to secure victory with about 89.2 percent of the vote, while voter turnout has plummeted to less than 30 percent. Saied faces minimal opposition, which many critics label as illegitimate due to a political environment marked by repression. His tenure has been characterized by increased autocracy and economic difficulties, including soaring public debt. Opposition parties have decried the election process, calling it a sham, reflecting broader concerns about the state of democracy in Tunisia.
In the recent Tunisian presidential election, President Kais Saied is projected to achieve a significant victory, garnering approximately 89.2 percent of the votes as indicated by an exit poll released on state television. This anticipated outcome would reinforce Saied’s authority, solidifying his dominance since he concentrated power in 2021 when he curtailed parliamentary functions and amended the constitution. However, the election was marked by a concerning level of voter apathy, with less than 30 percent of registered voters participating, a notable decline from the nearly 49 percent turnout during the first round of the previous presidential election in 2019. Kais Saied faced minimal opposition this election cycle, with two rivals: imprisoned businessman Ayachi Zammel and leftist candidate Zouhair Maghzaoui, who previously supported Saied. Many prospective candidates were either sidelined or imprisoned, contributing to an overall atmosphere of disenfranchisement. The opposition has vehemently criticized the election as a farce, calling for a boycott as they denounce the diminishing democratic process under Saied’s administration. Saied, who ascended to office by exploiting public discontent with the post-Arab Spring political framework, has faced challenges during his tenure, particularly relating to the economy. Tunisia currently copes with significant economic hurdles, including soaring public debt, which has ascended to over 80 percent of the national income, and a growing current account deficit exacerbated by global inflation and the ongoing geopolitical tensions, notably the Russia-Ukraine conflict. His leadership style has drawn criticism for veering toward autocracy; in his 2021 decree-based governance, he alluded to refusing power transfer to those he deems “non-patriots.” In asserting his approach to candidacy, Saied dismissed claims of imposing restrictions on opposition figures as unfounded, stating, “There are no restrictions on potential candidates for the presidential elections… this is nonsense and lies.” His government remains firm in its stance against external interference in Tunisia’s political determinations.
In the context of Tunisia’s political landscape, the 2011 Arab Spring sparked a wave of democratic hopes, leading to the country’s first free elections. However, ongoing political instability and dissatisfaction with traditional politicians have created fertile ground for Kais Saied’s rise to power. Since his election in 2019, Saied has steadily centralized authority, particularly following his controversial actions in July 2021 to suspend parliament and rule by decree. With an economic crisis looming, marked by high public debt and inflation, the legitimacy of his leadership continues to be scrutinized, especially in light of the current electoral turnout that reflects public apathy and concern regarding democracy in Tunisia.
The Tunisian presidential election paints a troubling picture of democratic engagement in a nation still grappling with the aftermath of its revolutionary past. Kais Saied’s expected overwhelming victory amid historically low voter turnout indicates a merge of consolidation of power and rising public disillusionment. As economic challenges persist, the implications of Saied’s leadership style and actions raise significant questions about the future of democracy and governance in Tunisia.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
