Kais Saied is projected to win Tunisia’s presidential election with 89.2 percent of votes despite low turnout of 27.7 percent. The election has drawn criticism for low legitimacy due to the exclusion of candidates and a crackdown on dissent. Rights groups worry that Saied’s re-election will further entrench authoritarian rule in Tunisia, which once symbolized democratic aspirations in the Arab world.
Incumbent President Kais Saied of Tunisia is projected to secure a dominant victory in the presidential election, garnering approximately 89.2 percent of the votes, according to exit polls released following the closure of polling stations on Sunday. Despite this significant support, voter turnout was notably low, raising concerns among rights organizations about the implications of Saied’s re-election for democracy in Tunisia. His strongest contenders included imprisoned rival Ayachi Zammel, expected to receive around 6.9 percent of the vote, and Zouhair Maghzaoui with a projected 3.9 percent, as reported by the independent polling agency Sigma Conseil. Since Saied’s ascent to power in 2019, he has implemented extensive measures that further consolidate his authority, prompting fears that his continued rule will solidify an authoritarian regime in a country that was once lauded for its democratic progress post-Arab Spring. The Tunisian electoral body had registered approximately 9.7 million eligible voters from an estimated population of 12 million; however, only 27.7 percent participated in the election, a stark decline from 45 percent in 2019. Amidst the low turnout, commentators like Hatem Nafti expressed skepticism regarding the election’s legitimacy, citing the systematic exclusion of potential candidates from the race. The electoral board’s decision to remove 14 candidates based on technicalities has been criticized broadly. Saied himself urged voters to consider both domestic and foreign threats to the nation while asserting intentions to eliminate corruption and build a prosperous country. The election results are anticipated in the coming days, with Saied’s government facing increasing scrutiny over its authoritarian tactics and the suppression of dissent, illustrated by the ongoing detention of political rivals and activists, including Zammel, who faces significant prison time. Amid these concerns, many Tunisians remain divided over their leader, with some praising his administration while others protest against perceived injustices under his rule. As the political landscape evolves in Tunisia, the implications of Saied’s anticipated re-election may resonate deeply within the socio-economic fabric of the nation, raising questions about the future of democracy in a country that once served as a beacon of hope for reform in the region.
This article discusses the recent presidential election in Tunisia where incumbent President Kais Saied is expected to win by a significant margin despite a notably low voter turnout. The article outlines the political climate in Tunisia post-Arab Spring—narrating the historical context of Tunisia as the birthplace of democratic movements in the region following the ousting of dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in 2011. It highlights the changes that have occurred since Saied’s election in 2019, particularly his power consolidation through controversial actions that have drawn criticism from both domestic and international observers. Rights groups express concerns that Saied’s ongoing presidency will deepen authoritarian control in the country, stifling any remaining democratic vitality.
In summary, the anticipated victory of President Kais Saied in Tunisia’s presidential election underscores a complex and troubling landscape for the nation’s democratic processes. Despite receiving overwhelming popular support according to exit polls, the low voter turnout coupled with the exclusion of key political opponents raises significant questions concerning the legitimacy of the election. As concerns surrounding authoritarianism and civil liberties mount, the future of Tunisia’s democracy hangs in the balance, prompting both national and international scrutiny of Saied’s governance going forward.
Original Source: www.france24.com
