Tunisia’s Upcoming Presidential Election: A Foregone Conclusion Amidst Autocracy

President Kais Saied is poised for an assured victory in Tunisia’s upcoming presidential election, marked by the imprisonment of leading challengers and a general absence of legitimate political competition. The election reflects disillusionment with the democratic aspirations that followed the 2011 revolution, as many Tunisians question the integrity of the electoral process and endure the consequences of an increasingly autocratic regime.

In Tunisia, the atmosphere surrounding the upcoming presidential election scheduled for Sunday indicates an overwhelming likelihood of victory for President Kais Saied. This political climate is marked by an absence of electoral competition, as prominent challengers remain incarcerated or otherwise sidelined through dubious legal measures. President Saied has demonstrated a complete lack of engagement with potential electoral discourse, refraining from presenting any policy proposals while the nation witnesses a bleak political landscape devoid of candidate posters or debates. Critically, the leading opposition figure is currently serving a lengthy prison term of twelve years, amidst allegations that the charges against him are fabricated. Furthermore, at least eight other potential candidates find themselves imprisoned or under house arrest, with several being disqualified from participating altogether. As a result, there is a compelling sense of futility among many Tunisians regarding the electoral process, leading them to question the viability of democratic principles in their country. Reflecting on the decade since the successful protests that ousted the long-standing dictator Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali, which had sparked a wave of uprisings across the Arab world, the prevailing sentiment in Tunisia is one of disappointment. Citizens who initially aspired for democratic reforms, improved governance, and economic opportunities have instead grappled with an increasingly autocratic regime. As noted by Souhaib Fercheche, a prominent civic activist, “He’s willing to do anything it takes to stay in power — dividing Tunisians, prosecuting them, accusing them.” These developments underline the stark reality of President Saied’s consolidation of power and his departure from the democratic aspirations that characterized the early years following the 2011 revolution. The landscape in which these elections are unfolding illustrates a troubling regression towards authoritarian rule, raising concerns over the future of democracy in Tunisia.

The situation in Tunisia is deeply intertwined with its revolutionary history. Following the ousting of dictator Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali in 2011, Tunisia was heralded as a beacon of hope for democratic governance in the Arab world. However, over the years, frustrations regarding the pace of democratic reforms, economic disappointments, and political instability have contributed to a growing disillusionment among the populace. President Kais Saied’s ascent to power and subsequent actions to suppress dissent have resulted in a consolidation of authority that starkly contradicts the democratic aspirations initially ignited during the Arab Spring. This election reflects not just a contest for leadership but a critical junction in the nation’s democratic evolution, which appears increasingly bleak.

The impending election in Tunisia underscores the troubling dynamics of autocratic governance and the erosion of democratic principles within the country. With significant opposition figures imprisoned and a lack of electoral engagement from President Kais Saied, many citizens feel disenfranchised, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the electoral process. As fears grow over Saied’s authoritarian rule, the hope for a democratic Tunisia that emerged from the 2011 revolution continues to face severe challenges. The country stands at a pivotal juncture, grappling with the repercussions of political repression and the aspirations of its citizens for meaningful governance.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com