Kais Saied Secures Second Term as Tunisia’s President Amid Low Voter Turnout
Kais Saied has won a second presidential term in Tunisia, obtaining 90.7 percent of the vote with a 28.8 percent turnout, the lowest since the 2011 revolution. His tenure has been marked by a crackdown on political opposition and democratic backsliding, raising concerns about the future of democracy in Tunisia.
Kais Saied has secured a second term as Tunisia’s president, according to the electoral commission. The commission reported that he garnered an overwhelming 90.7 percent of the vote amid a dismal turnout of only 28.8 percent during the presidential election held on Sunday. This turnout marks the lowest participation rate since the 2011 revolution, with expectations hovering around 30 percent, as per commission spokesperson Mohamed Tlili Mansri. At 66 years old, Saied faced two competitors: Zouhair Maghzaoui, the leader of the Chaab Party who has shifted from ally to critic, and Ayachi Zammel, a businessman perceived as a potential challenge until his recent imprisonment. Having been in power since 2019, Saied’s administration has been marked by a series of arrests targeting members of the political opposition and dissenters. Once celebrated for its advancement toward democracy post-Arab Spring, Tunisia now finds its democratic progress under threat. Rights organizations contend that Saied has reversed many democratic achievements by eliminating institutional and legal restraints on his authority. Over the past year, prominent figures from Tunisia’s largest opposing parties have faced imprisonment, resulting in these parties not endorsing any candidates for this election. Key opposition figures, such as Abir Moussi of the Free Constitutional Party, have been vocal against Saied, whom critics accuse of attempting to restore previous authoritarian governance. Saied’s consolidation of power intensified in 2021 when he dissolved the elected parliament and modified the constitution, actions denounced by opponents as a coup. Despite widespread criticism, Saied defends his measures as essential to combat a corrupt elite and acts of betrayal. Following the projected victory announcement, Saied remarked on state television, asserting that his presidency signifies a “continuation of the revolution” and an endeavor to purify the country of corruption and treachery.
The political landscape of Tunisia has undergone considerable turmoil since the 2011 revolution, which initiated the Arab Spring. While Tunisia was once viewed as a singular success in establishing democracy, recent developments signal a regression in rights and freedoms. The election of Kais Saied in 2019 marked a shift in governance; however, his increasing authoritarianism poses questions regarding the future of democratic practices in the nation. With the imprisonment of various political opposition leaders and the crackdown on dissent, Saied’s administration has raised concerns among domestic and international observers about the erosion of democratic norms.
In summary, President Kais Saied’s overwhelming electoral victory amidst an historically low voter turnout highlights the contentious state of Tunisian democracy. His leadership, characterized by increased authoritarian practices and a crackdown on opposition, raises significant concerns regarding the future of political freedom and governmental transparency in Tunisia. Saied’s remarks following the elections reflect a resolve to continue his agenda, underscoring the ongoing ideological battle between the current regime and opposition forces.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
