The upcoming presidential election in Tunisia, the first since President Kais Saied’s controversial power expansion, signifies a pivotal moment amidst deteriorating civil liberties and widespread public discontent. Democratic gains made post-revolution face threats as the election process is deemed orchestrated, with significant doubts surrounding electoral integrity and the treatment of opposition figures.
The upcoming presidential election in Tunisia marks a significant moment as it is the first since President Kais Saied, who ascended to power in 2019, extended his rule through a controversial maneuvers known as a “self-coup” in July 2021. During his presidency, Saied has suspended parliament, dismissed the prime minister, and assumed complete executive authority. Human rights organizations, both international and domestic, have criticized a decline in civil liberties, freedom of speech, and a pattern of arbitrary arrests targeting critics and opposition figures under his administration. Despite prevalent public disillusionment with traditional political parties, many observers anticipate Saied’s reelection, viewing the electoral process as predetermined and lacking integrity. Tunisia, once hailed as a beacon of democratic progress following the 2011 revolution—often termed the Jasmine Revolution—has experienced a drastic decline since Saied’s consolidation of power. After the overthrow of dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Tunisia was seen as a successful case in the Arab Spring, allowing civil society to flourish. The subsequent decade, marked by the efforts of various civil organizations that prevented the rollback of democratic gains, was characterized by significant unrest but also important legislative achievements, including laws to combat violence against women and racism. Nevertheless, Tunisia’s political landscape became tumultuous with Saied’s rise, which occurred amidst widespread dissatisfaction stemming from economic decline and high unemployment. The last parliament was rife with conflict, resulting in a chaotic legislative process, which ultimately led to its dissolution. In light of this political backdrop, the forthcoming election is marred by the absence of credible competition: only three candidates will be on the ballot, and Saied’s main rival was imprisoned. Moreover, the legitimacy of the electoral process appears compromised by recent reforms that have been implemented under Saied’s supervision, including the fracturing of the judiciary and the substantial restriction of media freedoms. Since his takeover, journalists and critics have faced punitive actions under decrees that suppress dissent, resulting in a climate of fear and silence within the media landscape. Civil society has similarly withered, as many organizations have faced closures and arrests of key figures who once played vital roles in advocating for democratic values. Although sporadic protests have arisen against Saied’s policies, they lack the momentum and scale of earlier demonstrations. Ultimately, while the electoral event presents a façade of democratic procedure, the underlying realities indicate a significant erosion of Tunisia’s democratic institutions. The perception of an orchestrated election raises fundamental questions about the future of governance, civil liberties, and the overall democratic trajectory in Tunisia.
The political terrain in Tunisia has drastically shifted since President Kais Saied took control in 2019. Originally viewed as a promising leader following the historic Jasmine Revolution, Saied’s tenure has been marked by increasingly authoritarian actions, including a “self-coup” that suspended parliament and concentrated power within the executive branch. Observers are now questioning the legitimacy of Tunisia’s democratic frameworks as Saied undermines civil liberties and suppresses dissent.
In conclusion, Tunisia’s presidential election epitomizes a critical juncture in its political evolution, reflecting significant challenges to democracy under Kais Saied’s administration. With a frail candidate pool and a politically restructured landscape, the anticipated outcome appears preordained, underscoring the pressing concerns regarding electoral integrity, civil rights, and the future of democratic governance in the nation.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
