President Kais Saied has secured re-election amid claims of electoral manipulation and suppression of opposition, capturing over 89% of the vote according to exit polls. This election, marked by diminished voter turnout and the arrest of a leading rival, raises alarms about the return of authoritarianism in Tunisia, diminishing the democratic aspirations that emerged from the Arab Spring.
In a significant political event that raises concerns over the democratic trajectory in Tunisia, President Kais Saied has achieved an overwhelming re-election victory, as suggested by exit polls. This marks Tunisia’s first presidential election following years of authoritarian regression initiated by Saied since he first took office in 2019. The extent of the current political climate was demonstrated as most challengers were barred from participating, and the leading opposition figure faced arrest under accusations of electoral malpractice, which critics argue are unfounded. The exit polls indicate that President Saied secured over 89 percent of the vote against his key opponent, Ayachi Zammel, who remains imprisoned, and Zouhair Maghzaoui, a leftist competitor who once supported Saied before vying for the presidency himself. Despite the apparent landslide, voter turnout was reportedly around half of what it had been during the previous presidential election, reflecting growing disillusionment among Tunisians with Saied’s leadership and the opposition’s inability to present a viable alternative. The election results evoke memories of the era of Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, the former dictator who led Tunisia until his ousting in 2011, rather than the more competitive electoral atmosphere that characterized Tunisia’s democratization efforts after the Arab Spring.
Tunisia is recognized as the birthplace of the Arab Spring and the initial success in establishing a democracy post-revolution in 2011. However, the political landscape has significantly shifted, particularly under President Kais Saied, whose administration has been marked by consolidating power and suppressing dissent. Since his election, Saied has been accused of eroding democratic institutions, a trend that has culminated in the recent presidential election. The barring of potential challengers and the arrest of key opposition figures signal a return to authoritarian practices, undermining the advancements made since the Arab Spring.
The re-election of President Kais Saied reflects a troubling shift back towards authoritarianism in Tunisia, highlighting the fragility of its democratic institutions that were once seen as a beacon of hope in the region. As disillusionment with Saied grows among the electorate, and as voter turnout dwindles, the future of democracy in Tunisia remains precarious, overshadowed by a lack of strong opposition alternatives and a political climate reminiscent of past dictatorial regimes.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
