Kais Saied is projected to win Tunisia’s presidential election with 89.2 percent of the vote, amidst low voter turnout of less than 30 percent. His opponents are largely marginalized or imprisoned, leading to criticisms of the election’s legitimacy. Saied’s first term has been marked by economic challenges and a consolidation of power since suspending parliament in 2021.
Tunisian President Kais Saied is projected to secure victory in the presidential election, garnering 89.2 percent of the vote, as indicated by an exit poll broadcast on state television on Sunday. This outcome will solidify Saied’s authority following his consolidation of power enacted in 2021. Official results are anticipated to be disclosed on Monday evening. Voter participation was notably low during this election, with fewer than 30 percent of eligible voters casting ballots, reflecting a significant decline from the 49 percent turnout observed in the first round of the 2019 election. Saied faced two contenders: imprisoned businessman Ayachi Zammel and Zouhair Maghzaoui, a former ally turned leftist candidate. The lack of genuine competition stemmed from the opponents’ marginalization and imprisonment. Kais Saied, a former law professor who ascended to power by tapping into public discontent with the political landscape post-Arab Spring, has faced criticism for his increasingly autocratic approach. His first term has been characterized by economic challenges and a profound concentration of political power, evidenced by his decision to suspend parliament in 2021 and amend the constitution. The opposition, which had called for a boycott of the election, characterized the process as a farce. By the close of polling, approximately 2.7 million citizens, amounting to 27.7 percent of the electorate, had participated in the election. Despite aspirations from various candidates to challenge Saied, only three received approval from an election commission appointed entirely by the president. Two years after Saied’s initial election in 2019, he dissolved the parliament in what the opposition branded a coup and has since governed by decree. He has publicly refuted assertions that he has imposed restrictions on potential challengers, asserting that “whoever talks about restrictions is delusional.” Furthermore, Tunisia’s economic landscape remains precarious, marked by soaring public debt exceeding 80 percent of the national GDP—more than double the levels of 2010 prior to the Arab Spring. Additionally, the current account deficit has escalated to 15 percent of GDP, driven by inflated prices of essential imports due to global economic pressures and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The context of Tunisia’s presidential election lies in the nation’s tumultuous political landscape following the 2011 Arab Spring revolution. The revolution led to significant political changes; however, many Tunisians feel disillusioned by the political class that emerged thereafter. Economic hardships have exacerbated voter apathy, as many citizens grapple with soaring public debt and heightened living costs, rendering the political situation increasingly precarious. President Kais Saied, elected in 2019, has consolidated his power since 2021, facing criticism for his authoritarian methods and undermining democratic processes. The limited engagement in the electoral process reflects widespread dissatisfaction and skepticism toward the effectiveness of the current government and its ability to address pressing socioeconomic issues.
In summary, the Tunisian presidential election indicates a continuation of Kais Saied’s autocratic governance, as evidenced by his expected landslide victory amid stark voter apathy. With less than 30 percent voter turnout, the legitimacy of the election is brought into question, particularly given the silencing of opposition figures and the centralized control of the election process. Tunisia’s economic struggles endure, compounding public frustration with Saied’s leadership, raising critical concerns about the future of democracy in Tunisia.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
