The Stakes of Tunisia’s Upcoming Presidential Election: An Examination of Democratic Erosion under President Kais Saied

Tunisia’s presidential election on Sunday is poised to determine the future of its political landscape amid President Kais Saied’s controversial rule characterized by civil liberties violations and a perceived ‘rigged’ election framework. The election occurs against a backdrop of historical turmoil following the 2011 uprising, with only three candidates in a climate of disillusionment and governmental repression, raising doubts about Tunisia’s democratic prospects.

Tunisia is set to hold a presidential election on Sunday, marking a pivotal moment under the leadership of President Kais Saied. Saied, who ascended power in 2019 as an independent candidate with no prior political experience, subsequently enacted a controversial ‘self-coup’ in July 2021. He suspended parliament, dismissed the then-prime minister, Hichem Mechichi, and consolidated executive authority, raising concerns among domestic and international rights groups regarding the significant decline in civil liberties and freedom of speech. Under his administration, there has been a troubling pattern of arbitrary arrests targeting critics and political opponents. Despite widespread disillusionment with party politics and a perception that the electoral process has been compromised, many observers anticipate Saied will secure a second term. This prevailing pessimism is grounded in Tunisia’s diminishing political landscape; once celebrated as a success story of the Arab Spring and the Jasmine Revolution of 2011, Tunisia is witnessing a regression in democratic practices. Following the 2011 uprising, Tunisians had demonstrated a strong desire for political engagement, creating a vibrant civil society alongside a tumultuous yet democratic governance. However, Tunisia has also grappled with persistent unemployment and economic woes that undermined public trust in elected officials. The chaos of the last decade saw a high turnover in government and an increasing polarization within political dialogue. The upcoming election is characterized by a severe limitation of candidates. The electoral field includes only three individuals: while one candidate, Ayachi Zammel, is imprisoned, the other, Zouhair Maghzaoui, has previously aligned himself with Saied. This leaves Saied as the only unambiguously viable candidate, raising further doubts about the legitimacy of the electoral process which has been criticized as “rigged” by observers. The Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE), structured under Saied’s influence, has faced scrutiny for its rejection of numerous credible candidates, further calling into question the transparency of the electoral process. Notably, instances of political detainment and a neutered judiciary, following Saied’s dismissal of the High Judicial Council in 2022, have severely hampered the independent functioning of the judiciary and press. Arrests of journalists and civil society figures under restrictive laws have fostered an environment stifling public dissent, signifying a stark regression from the democratic aspirations born from the 2011 uprisings. In conclusion, the forthcoming election exemplifies Tunisia’s precarious political climate and the significant stakes of preserving or further eroding the democratic gains achieved over the past decade. The limited candidates, a beleaguered judicial system, and governmental repression raise severe doubts about the prospect of reform and the future trajectory of Tunisian democracy.

The upcoming presidential election in Tunisia carries substantial implications for the future of the nation, especially under the current leadership of President Kais Saied. Saied’s rise to power, marked by significant political maneuvers including a self-coup, has drawn sharp criticism and allegations regarding the erosion of civil liberties and democratic practices. The backdrop of this election is shaped by Tunisia’s historical context as a pivotal success story in the Arab Spring, followed by a complex decade characterized by political instability, economic challenges, and civil society engagement.

Tunisia’s upcoming presidential election signifies a critical juncture that could determine the course of its democratic integrity or lead to further autocratic consolidation under President Kais Saied. With only three candidates, two of whom are ineligible or aligned with Saied, the legitimacy of the electoral process is in question. The combined factors of a compromised judiciary, silenced media, and political repression suggest that the election may consolidate Saied’s power rather than remedy Tunisia’s pressing socio-political issues.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com