Kais Saied Forecasted to Secure Tunisia’s Presidential Election Amid Political Turmoil

Kais Saied is predicted to win Tunisia’s presidential election with 89.2 percent of the vote amidst a voter turnout of only 28 percent, as per an exit poll. His main competitors received minimal support, and the political environment remains contentious, marked by the imprisonment of opposition figures and concerns over democratic integrity following significant political changes initiated by Saied.

In the recent presidential election held in Tunisia, the incumbent President Kais Saied is projected to win with a substantial 89.2 percent of the votes, as indicated by an exit poll broadcast on state television. This anticipated victory comes amidst allegations of a politically charged atmosphere, with a notably low voter turnout of approximately 28 percent. The official results are expected to be announced by the Independent High Authority for Elections of Tunisia (ISIE) on Monday evening. President Saied, who has been in power since a controversial power consolidation three years ago, faced two opponents in this election. His former ally, Zouhair Maghzaoui, received only 3.9 percent of the vote, while businessman Ayachi Zammel, who was seen as a significant contender until his recent incarceration, garnered 6.9 percent. Voter participation was reported at about 27.7 percent, lower than the ISIE’s initial expectation of around 30 percent. The political climate in Tunisia remains tense, with senior opposition figures imprisoned on various charges. High-profile cases include Rached Ghannouchi, leader of the Ennahda party, which once played a pivotal role in post-2011 Tunisian politics. Since Saied’s rise to power in 2019, critics claim he has systematically undermined the democratic reforms achieved following the Arab Spring. Saied, however, maintains that his actions are a necessary measure against corruption within the political elite. Political strife intensified prior to the election, as Saied’s administration disqualified three candidates from the electoral race, prompting protests from opposition and civil society groups. Economic hardship, marked by stagnant growth, soaring inflation, and high unemployment, has further fueled public discontent. This backdrop is compounded by legislative efforts that have diminished the judiciary’s role in electoral disputes, raising concerns regarding the independence of Tunisia’s democratic institutions. In previous years, Saied has faced criticism for dismantling key democratic structures, including the dissolution of the parliament and the alteration of the constitution in 2021. These reforms were passed amidst low voter turnout, with only 30 percent participating in the constitutional referendum and a mere 11 percent in subsequent parliamentary elections.

Since the 2011 Arab Spring, which deposed long-time autocrat Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Tunisia has struggled to establish a stable democracy. Kais Saied has been at the forefront of the political landscape since his election in 2019. However, his presidency has been marred by accusations of authoritarianism, especially following his power consolidation in 2021 when he dissolved the parliamentary body and enacted a new constitution. Opposition to Saied has grown, with many political leaders imprisoned, raising concerns about the fairness of the electoral process and the future of democratic governance in Tunisia. Additionally, the country’s economic issues, including high inflation and unemployment rates, have led to increased public unrest and dissatisfaction with the ruling government.

The exit polls indicating Kais Saied’s dominant lead in the Tunisian presidential election signal a continuation of his contentious administration, reflecting the current political and economic turmoil in the country. With significant portions of the opposition silenced or imprisoned, Saied’s prospects for governance raise important questions about the future of democracy in Tunisia. As the official results are awaited, the implications of this election will likely resonate deeply in a nation grappling with the aspirations of its revolutionary past against the realities of present-day governance.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com