Kais Saied Set for Landslide Victory Amid Electoral Controversy in Tunisia

Kais Saied is projected to win re-election in Tunisia with 89.2 percent of the vote, despite a low turnout of only 27.7 percent. His rule, following a power grab and the disqualification of several opposition candidates, raises concerns among rights organizations regarding the entrenchment of authoritarianism in a nation once celebrated for its democratic progress post-Arab Spring.

Tunisia’s incumbent President Kais Saied appears poised to secure re-election with an impressive 89.2 percent of the vote, according to exit polls released after Sunday’s presidential election, despite a notably low voter turnout. Saied, age 66, is anticipated to achieve a significant victory over his opponents, namely Ayachi Zammel, who is currently imprisoned and projected to receive 6.9 percent, and Zouhair Maghzaoui, with a predicted 3.9 percent, per data from the independent polling group Sigma Conseil. Three years following his notable power consolidation, there is rising concern among human rights organizations that Saied’s re-ascension to power will further normalize his authoritarian governance in Tunisia, a nation recognized for its role as a beacon of democracy during the Arab Spring protests that ousted longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in 2011. The Tunisian electoral authority, ISIE, reported approximately 9.7 million registered voters in a population of around 12 million, yet only 27.7 percent participated in the electoral process, marking the lowest turnout for a presidential vote since the revolution. Of the participants, over 58 percent were male, and 65 percent fell within the 36 to 60 age demographic. Political analysts have expressed skepticism regarding the vote’s legitimacy, claiming it has been compromised by disqualifying candidates who could have posed a challenge to Saied. Hatem Nafti, a political commentator, stated, “The vote’s legitimacy is undoubtedly tainted with candidates who could have overshadowed (Saied) being systematically sidelined.” During his campaign, Saied has alleged foreign interference in Tunisia’s affairs and pledged to eradicate corruption within the nation while expressing confidence in the exit poll results. The official preliminary results are expected to be declared on Monday. Concerns were amplified when the ISIE barred 14 candidates from participating in the race, citing various administrative issues. Observers noted the dismal turnout compared to the 45 percent recorded in the 2019 election, reinforcing the idea that a substantial portion of the electorate has disengaged from the political process. Meanwhile, the opposition voiced concerns over potential electoral fraud, recalling that two independent watchdog organizations were also barred from overseeing the voting process. After casting his vote, Saied conversed with media, reassuring that “the results announced by the exit polls are very close to reality,” as crowds celebrated his expected victory shortly after the exit polls were revealed. Saied’s controversial power over the past few years saw him rewrite the constitution and suppress dissent, causing alarm among various rights groups who note that more than 170 individuals are imprisoned for political reasons within Tunisia. His most formidable opponent, Zammel, has been sentenced to over 14 years in prison on charges related to alleged election fraud. Saied’s call for large voter participation coincides with his dedication to combating what he describes as conspiratorial entities infringing upon governance, although analysts warn that a renewed Saied mandate might exacerbate the country’s socio-economic difficulties and accelerate the regime’s authoritarian trajectory. Protests have erupted against Saied, with demonstrators branding him a “Pharaoh manipulating the law.”

The political atmosphere in Tunisia has been tumultuous since the revolution in 2011, which was a catalyst for broader Arab Spring movements throughout the region. Despite initial optimism for democratic governance, President Kais Saied’s ascent to power in 2019 marked a significant shift towards authoritarianism, raising alarms among rights groups and political analysts alike. His government has systematically undermined opposition candidates and restricted dissent, actions that have prompted accusations of electoral fraud and a plea for greater democratic integrity.

The anticipated re-election of President Kais Saied signals a concerning continuity of authoritarian practices in Tunisia, as evidenced by the prevailing low voter turnout and the systematic exclusion of opposition candidates. Analysts assert that Saied’s governance may deepen the country’s socio-economic challenges while perpetuating a regime that contradicts the democratic principles initially sought during the Arab Spring. Such developments emphasize the need for vigilance regarding civil liberties and political engagement within the nation.

Original Source: www.france24.com