Tunisia’s Presidential Election: An Illusion of Democracy Amidst Repression

Tunisia is poised for a presidential election characterized by repression against dissent and a lack of viable opposition. Incumbent President Kais Saied is expected to win against two limited candidates, amidst claims of political suppression leading to the exclusion of numerous hopefuls. Public sentiment leans towards apathy, reflecting disillusionment with the political process, and a widespread belief that change is unlikely amidst ongoing economic strife.

Tunisia’s presidential election is set against a backdrop of political repression, with incumbent President Kais Saied anticipated to secure another term. This election features only two opposition candidates, one of whom supported Saied’s contentious power grab in 2021 while the other is a businessman currently incarcerated. Notably, the election commission excluded 14 potential candidates, reflecting a crackdown on dissent during the campaign period. Since Saied’s consolidation of power three years ago, the electoral process is largely regarded as a closing chapter in Tunisia’s democratic experiment, previously heralded as the birthplace of the Arab Spring that opposed dictatorship. Polling in Tunisia commenced at 8:00 AM (0700 GMT) and is scheduled to conclude at 6:00 PM (1700 GMT), with preliminary results expected shortly thereafter. The atmosphere leading up to the vote has been devoid of campaign rallies and public debates, and the streets predominantly feature posters of Saied, contributing to a sense of resignation among voters. Many citizens express disillusionment with the political process, regarding participation as pointless, particularly amidst ongoing economic struggles. Saied, who ascended to power in 2019, executed a significant power grab that enabled him to amend the constitution at will. This action has led to widespread accusations, both domestically and internationally, regarding the prosecution of dissenters, with over 170 individuals reportedly detained for political reasons, according to Human Rights Watch. Among the jailed are key opposition figures, such as Rached Ghannouchi and Abir Moussi, exacerbating the lack of viable options for voters. The electoral board anticipates that approximately 9.7 million citizens will participate in the election; however, many are disheartened by the predictability of a Saied victory and the escalating economic crisis. The International Crisis Group notes that the president’s nationalist rhetoric combined with economic hardships has significantly dampened public enthusiasm for the election. Demonstrators have also voiced their displeasure, with protests occurring prior to the elections, symbolizing the public’s frustration with Saied’s leadership. Faced with very few alternatives, voters are left with Zouhair Maghzaoui, a supporter of Saied’s earlier power move, and Ayachi Zammel, an unknown businessman under criminal allegations, further limiting prospects for political change. In his speech on Thursday, Saied called for a robust voter turnout, framing the election as a step towards revitalization in the face of supposed foreign conspiracies undermining the government. Despite a base of support among lower-income groups, critics assert that he has not sufficiently addressed Tunisia’s pressing economic issues.

The political landscape in Tunisia has drastically changed since the 2019 elections, where Kais Saied won a landslide victory. Following his rise to power, Saied engaged in a significant reallocation of government authority, which included amending the constitution to concentrate power within the presidency. This shift raised concerns regarding the erosion of democratic principles established following the Arab Spring revolution in 2011, which led to the ousting of long-standing authoritarian rule. As Tunisia grapples with widespread economic malaise, discontent has surfaced among citizens who feel that their voices are being suppressed, further emphasizing the importance of understanding the implications of this election and Saied’s ongoing administration.

In summary, the upcoming presidential election in Tunisia highlights a critical juncture for the nation as it faces substantial political repression and economic challenges. With a predictable win for President Kais Saied and limited options for voters, the election is poised to signal a deeper entrenchment of authoritarianism. The absence of a credible opposition and the exclusion of numerous candidates reflect a troubling trend in the suppression of dissent, leaving many citizens feeling disillusioned and disconnected from the political process. Ultimately, the outcome may profoundly impact Tunisia’s future trajectory, particularly in terms of democracy and governance.

Original Source: www.france24.com