Kais Saied is set to win Tunisia’s presidential election with 89.2% of the vote, despite concerns about low voter turnout at 27.7%. His re-election is feared to further entrench authoritarian rule following his previous power grab. The electoral process saw the exclusion of several opposition candidates, raising concerns over the legitimacy of the election results amid reports of more than 170 political detentions. Citizens are divided on their support for Saied, with protests emerging against his regime.
Kais Saied, the incumbent President of Tunisia, appears set for re-election with 89.2% of the vote according to exit polls released on national television following the closure of the polls. Despite this strong support, there has been a notably low voter turnout of 27.7% among the approximately 9.7 million eligible voters in the country. Saied, who assumed power following a significant power grab three years ago, is anticipated to outperform his opponents, including imprisoned rival Ayachi Zammel, who is projected to secure only 6.9% of the votes, and Zouhair Maghzaoui, with a mere 3.9%. Analysts and rights organizations express concern that his re-election will solidify his authoritarian governance, posing risks to the democratic journey that Tunisia embarked upon after the 2011 revolution that overthrew former dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. The electoral board, ISIE, noted that the election turnout is the lowest recorded since the revolution, raising questions regarding the legitimacy of the election results. Multiple candidates were barred from competing, citing inadequate endorsements and dubious technicalities, with 14 candidates excluded from the race. Speaking from his campaign headquarters, President Saied attributed some of the challenges to purported foreign interference, promising to advance the nation and eradicate corruption. Critics of Saied’s leadership emphasize that despite the exit polls, the vote lacks true democratic legitimacy. Observers highlight fears of electoral fraud, particularly after local independent watchdogs were not allowed to monitor the elections. With more than 170 individuals reported detained on political grounds, it appears dissent against Saied’s regime is being systematically quashed, with prominent opposition leaders imprisoned under questionable circumstances. As protests against his administration continue, various citizens demonstrate their disappointment with his leadership and express their disillusionment about the future of democracy in Tunisia. As the results await further official confirmation, the outcomes of this election could further change the political landscape in Tunisia.
Tunisia has a historical significance as the birthplace of the Arab Spring, having witnessed a revolution in 2011 that led to the ousting of dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and the emergence of democratic governance. However, in 2019, Kais Saied was elected President, and his subsequent power grab in 2021 has raised alarm among rights groups, analysts, and observers regarding the erosion of political freedoms and existing threats to democracy. As Saied approaches re-election, the low voter turnout and exclusion of key candidates indicate a troubling shift in Tunisia’s political climate, which many fear will lead to deeper authoritarianism and worsen socio-economic conditions for the Tunisians.
The anticipated re-election of President Kais Saied, as indicated by exit polls showing an overwhelming majority, raises significant concerns due to the low voter turnout and the barring of critical opposition candidates. While Saied promises to eradicate corruption and foreign interference, the implications of continued authoritarianism threaten the democratic gains achieved after the 2011 revolution. Citizens express fear and dissatisfaction regarding the election process and the political direction of the country, emphasizing a potential regression into autocratic rule.
Original Source: www.france24.com
