Tunisia’s Presidential Election: A Struggle for Democracy amid Opposition Crackdown

Tunisia is conducting a presidential election in which President Kais Saied faces minimal opposition due to imprisonment and exclusion of key competitors. Saied’s previous victory was rooted in anti-establishment sentiments, yet his presidency has been marked by a consolidation of power and rising economic woes. As the election unfolds, it reflects the broader struggles of Tunisia’s democracy and governance, amidst boycotts from opposition groups and critical socio-economic challenges.

Tunisian President Kais Saied is poised to secure re-election with minimal opposition as the nation casts votes in a presidential election. Saied’s primary competitors have either been imprisoned or excluded from the ballot, leading to a prevailing sentiment among the populace that a significant change in leadership is unlikely. Historically, Saied emerged victorious in 2019 fueled by an anti-establishment wave, marking a notable election following the 2011 protests that led to the ousting of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, a pivotal moment in the Arab Spring. The stakes of the current election are considerable, considering Tunisia’s trajectory as a purported success story of the Arab Spring. Despite being recognized for adopting a democratic constitution and achieving political compromises that earned its civil society groups the Nobel Peace Prize, Tunisia has struggled with economic challenges and political discord. Saied’s ascent was largely attributed to his outsider status and promises to revitalize the country, aiming for a “New Tunisia” that empowers youth and local governance. This election differs from previous cycles as it occurs against the backdrop of Saied’s consolidation of power following his declaration of a state of emergency in July 2021, which included the dissolution of parliament and the suspension of political functions deemed counterproductive to his vision. Despite the controversial nature of his actions, which sparked claims of a coup from pro-democracy factions, Saied’s proposed constitutional amendments were endorsed by voters in a low-turnout referendum compared to prior electoral participation rates. The candidate pool for this election was notably limited, with only three candidates approved out of seventeen applicants: President Saied, Zouhair Maghzaoui, and Ayachi Zammel. Maghzaoui is an experienced politician critical of Saied’s policies but faces opposition due to his past support of Saied’s actions. Zammel, a businessman, has been sentenced to prison in relation to election-related voter fraud cases. Several prominent opposition figures, including the 83-year-old Rached Ghannouchi, have been imprisoned, resulting in a call from the National Salvation Front and various groups for a boycott of the elections, deeming the process illegitimate. Amidst democratic setbacks, Tunisia grapples with pressing economic issues, including a high unemployment rate, particularly among youth. The country remains burdened by significant debt to external lenders and stalled negotiations on a crucial bailout package from the International Monetary Fund. Economic analysts cite political instability as a deterrent for both foreign and local investment, exacerbating Tunisia’s economic plight. Human migration continues to be a contentious issue, with increased attempts by Tunisians to escape economic hardships by reaching Europe. Laws and rhetoric targeting sub-Saharan migrants have escalated tensions and violence within the nation. President Saied’s administration has been labeled as adopting harsh measures against these communities while simultaneously portraying their presence as a demographic threat. Internationally, Tunisia maintains collaborative ties with traditional Western allies while exploring new partnerships under Saied’s leadership. He champions national sovereignty and has rebuffed European pressure, aiming to prevent Tunisia from functioning as a “border guard” against migration. Modifications in visa regulations with Iran and participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative demonstrate Tunisia’s efforts to broaden its international alliances, despite established relationships with Europe that emphasize migration management protocols.

The context of the upcoming presidential election in Tunisia illuminates the political landscape that has evolved since the Arab Spring. Tunisia was previously lauded as an exemplar of democratic transition, but recent years have seen an erosion of democratic norms under Kais Saied’s leadership. Following his unilateral actions in July 2021, which included suspending the parliament and revising the constitution, dissent has been suppressed, leading to criticisms from opposition groups and civil society stakeholders. With many prominent opposition figures imprisoned and campaigns against dissent intensifying, this election is a critical moment to gauge the support for Saied and the prospects for Tunisia’s remaining democratic frameworks amid ongoing economic difficulties and social unrest.

In summary, Tunisia’s current presidential election presents a stark examination of the country’s political climate under President Kais Saied, whose path to re-election has been facilitated by the absence of substantial competition. As Tunisia navigates significant economic challenges and internal strife, the election will serve as a litmus test for public sentiment regarding Saied’s leadership and the future of democracy in the nation. The consolidation of power, the fate of opposition figures, and the country’s socio-economic struggles remain pivotal issues that will shape Tunisia’s trajectory in the years to come.

Original Source: www.euronews.com