Kais Saied Set for Electoral Success Amidst Concerns of Authoritarianism

Kais Saied is expected to secure a landslide victory in Tunisia’s presidential election with 89.2 percent, despite a low turnout of 27.7 percent. Analysts and rights groups express concerns over the legitimacy of the election, given the barring of opposition candidates and previous crackdowns on dissent. Saied’s continued presidency raises fears of further entrenchment of authoritarian rule in the country historically seen as a beacon of hope following the Arab Spring.

Incumbent Tunisian President Kais Saied is poised for a significant electoral triumph, having garnered 89.2 percent of the vote according to exit polls released on Sunday. This victory is anticipated despite a notably low voter turnout of only 27.7 percent, signaling potential disillusionment among the electorate. Saied, aged 66, is expected to defeat his closest opponents, Ayachi Zammel, who is imprisoned and projected to secure 6.9 percent, and Zouhair Maghzaoui, with 3.9 percent, based on independent polling conducted by Sigma Conseil. Rights organizations have expressed apprehensions that Saied’s re-election will solidify his authoritarian grip over Tunisia, a nation that once symbolized hope during the Arab Spring uprisings. The Tunisian electoral commission, ISIE, reported that among the 9.7 million eligible voters in a country of approximately 12 million, a demographic skew was noted where over 58 percent of the turnout comprised men, with 65 percent of voters aged between 36 and 60. Hatem Nafti, a political commentator, criticized the electoral process, commenting that “the vote’s legitimacy is undoubtedly tainted with candidates who could have overshadowed (Saied) being systematically sidelined.” Furthermore, the ISIE barred 14 candidates from competing on various grounds, including insufficient endorsements, raising questions about the overall fairness of the election. In an address to supporters, Saied condemned foreign interference and reiterated his commitment to “build our country and we will rid it of the corrupt and conspirators.” As Tunisia recorded its lowest presidential election turnout since its 2011 revolution, analysts contended that the election lacks genuine democratic legitimacy, with not a single minimum voting threshold required. Individual voters expressed skepticism, with Hosni Abidi, 40, declaring, “I don’t want people to choose for me; I want to check the box for my candidate myself.” Saied’s 2021 consolidation of power included constitutional changes and a crackdown on dissent, drawing significant ire from both domestic and international observers. Reports indicate the detention of over 170 individuals for political reasons, including prominent political figures such as Rached Ghannouchi, the leader of the Ennahdha party, and Abir Moussi, head of the Free Destourian Party. As the electoral board prepared to announce preliminary results, hundreds celebrated in the streets, with supporters like Oumayma Dhouib, 25, affirming their approval: “I am convinced by his ideas and his politics.” The political landscape continues to evolve in Tunisia, with many fearing that another term for Saied may exacerbate the nation’s socio-economic challenges and further entrench authoritarian practices. Critics labeled Saied as “a Pharaoh manipulating the law,” amidst growing public dissent against his rulership, signaling a need for reflection on democratic values and civic representation within Tunisia.

The recent presidential election in Tunisia highlights challenges within a governance model that has been experiencing increasing authoritarian tendencies since Kais Saied came to power in 2019. Following Tunisia’s transition to democracy in the wake of the Arab Spring uprisings, the political landscape has faced significant shifts, particularly after Saied’s consolidation of power in 2021. With a historical backdrop of parliamentary freedom and public dissent, the current political climate has raised alarms regarding civil liberties and democratic legitimacy, especially in light of the low voter turnout in the current elections.

In conclusion, Kais Saied’s projected landslide victory underscores the precarious state of Tunisia’s democratic processes following years of authoritarian rule. With a significant portion of the electorate choosing not to participate, concerns mount over the legitimacy of the electoral outcomes. As Tunisia faces profound socio-economic issues, the implications of Saied’s continued leadership warrant critical examination and pose significant questions for the future of democracy in the country.

Original Source: www.france24.com