Tunisia’s Election: A Test of Kais Saied’s Authoritarian Grip Amidst Public Discontent

The upcoming presidential election in Tunisia is overshadowed by Kais Saied’s oppressive regime, which has dismantled democratic institutions since his 2021 coup. The election lacks the anticipated civic engagement seen in previous years, as political dissent is brutally suppressed, and opposition candidates face imprisonment. Public dissatisfaction is brewing, prompting renewed protests and calls for democratic restoration, casting doubt on Saied’s expected legitimacy from the electoral process.

In contemporary Tunisia, awareness of the presidential election scheduled for Sunday, October 6, appears alarmingly muted. Unlike previous elections marked by exuberant rallies and fervent public discourse, the atmosphere now reflects a stark contrast. President Kais Saied has suppressed the vibrant civic engagement that characterized elections from 2011 to 2019, having ascended to power himself in 2019 on a platform that promised to fulfill the aspirations ignited by the Tunisian revolution. The irony of Saied’s rise is palpable; he initially garnered significant support, winning 72.7 percent of the votes in the second round of the 2019 presidential election. However, following a coup in July 2021, he has progressively dismantled the democratic structures that enabled his ascent. His actions have included the imprisonment of key political opponents and the coercion of media outlets, leading to a climate of fear and repression. This grim reality starkly contrasts with the hope and ideals that once buoyed the nation only five years prior. Currently, Tunisians are unable to engage in live televised debates, a rarity in the Arab region, with restrictions encompassing free discourse both in media and on social media platforms. Saied has increasingly leveraged the law to silence dissent, resulting in arbitrary arrests of citizens and the detention of opposition candidates, such as Ayachi Zammel, who despite his imprisonment, remains a focal point of resistance against Saied’s regime. Underpinning Saied’s electoral strategy appears to be a calculated effort to maintain authoritarian control rather than facilitate a genuine democratic process. The recent elections suggest an alarming consolidation of power characterized by a near-complete disregard for fair electoral practices. Alongside the elimination of prominent opposition candidates, the electoral commission has dismissed established monitoring groups, raising doubts about the legitimacy of the election’s oversight. Furthermore, the absence of international observers marks a significant departure from the transparency protocols typically observed in previous electoral cycles. Despite these challenges, indications of popular dissent are resurfacing. The emergence of new protests highlights a collective frustration with Saied’s governance and his failure to deliver on the transformative promises of the revolution. In light of these developments, many citizens view participation in the impending election as a potential avenue to challenge Saied’s authority, albeit amid serious reservations regarding the electoral integrity. Ultimately, while Kais Saied may have anticipated securing a straightforward victory to cement his authority, the current sentiment among a disenfranchised populace suggests a potential backlash against his regime, whose repressive measures ultimately threaten to undermine the purported legitimacy of the upcoming electoral proceedings.

Tunisia’s predicament stems from a historical context marked by a struggle for democratic governance following the revolution of 2011. The country transitioned from autocratic rule to a nascent democracy, characterized by free elections and burgeoning political discourse. However, the political landscape shifted dramatically after Kais Saied’s coup in July 2021, which effectively suspended the democratic process and placed unprecedented power in the hands of the presidency. As Saied’s administration seeks to conduct elections in this repressive environment, the legitimacy of the electoral process remains in question, reflecting a broader backdrop of civil disenchantment and authoritarian governance.

The upcoming presidential election in Tunisia has become a litmus test for Kais Saied’s leadership amid widespread discontent and increasing repression. Despite an atmosphere fraught with challenges, including the suppression of dissent, the exclusion of legitimate opposition, and the undermining of democratic institutions, there emerges a glimmer of resistance among a populace yearning for genuine democratic representation. Saied’s anticipated easy victory is now fraught with the potential for resistance, signaling a pivotal moment for Tunisia’s political future.

Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net