Tunisia’s Presidential Election: Saied Foreseen for Landslide…

Kais Saied, the President of Tunisia, is projected to achieve a landslide victory in the presidential election with around 89.2 percent of the votes, as low voter turnout of approximately 27.7 percent was observed. Economic challenges persist, and claims regarding electoral integrity have emerged in light of opposition disenfranchisement. Saied’s tenure, marked by increased authoritarian measures, raises questions about the future of democracy in Tunisia post-election.

Tunisian President Kais Saied is poised for a significant electoral victory in the presidential election, projected to receive approximately 89.2 percent of the votes, as indicated by a state TV exit poll released on Sunday. This anticipated win would fortify Saied’s grip on power, which he has been consolidating since 2021. Official election results are due to be published on Monday evening. However, the election was characterized by notable voter apathy, with less than 30 percent of the electorate participating in a crucial ballot, marking the third presidential election since Tunisia’s Arab Spring revolution in 2011. President Saied faced two opponents, imprisoned businessman Ayachi Zammel, and leftist candidate Zouhair Maghzaoui, who was previously a supporter of Saied. Saied’s rise to power was largely influenced by widespread disenchantment with the political class that emerged post-revolution, leading to this election where his opponents were significantly marginalized. During his tenure, Saied’s administration has confronted serious economic challenges, following his controversial decision to suspend parliament in 2021 and amend the constitution. The opposition has criticized the election process as a sham, urging a boycott. By the time voting concluded, 2.7 million people, accounting for an estimated voter turnout of 27.7 percent, had participated, a stark decrease from 49 percent in the first round of the previous election in 2019. Although several candidates initially expressed a desire to run against Saied, only three gained approval from the election commission, which is exclusively appointed by the president. The nature of Saied’s governance has evolved towards autocracy, particularly after the dissolution of parliament in 2021, which the opposition deemed a coup. Saied has reinforced his position by expressing an unwillingness to yield power to what he regards as “non-patriots.” He previously stated, “There are no restrictions on potential candidates for the presidential elections… this is nonsense and lies.” Furthermore, he affirmed Tunisia’s sovereignty by insisting on no foreign interference concerning the nation’s electoral choices. Economically, Tunisia continues to grapple with significant challenges, including increasing public debt, which has soared to over 80 percent of the national GDP, compared to less than 40 percent prior to the Arab Spring in 2010. Additionally, the current account deficit has reached 15 percent of GDP, exacerbated by rising import costs influenced by global inflation and the ongoing ramifications of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

To comprehend the gravity of the current presidential election in Tunisia, it is essential to consider the historical context following the Arab Spring of 2011, which sought to democratize the political landscape but left many citizens disillusioned with successive governments. Kais Saied emerged amidst this dissatisfaction, promising a clean break from the entrenched political elite, but his administration has since adopted increasingly authoritarian measures. The electoral process in Tunisia has faced criticism due to perceived restrictions on opposition candidates, raising concerns about the integrity of democracy within the nation. Furthermore, Tunisia’s economic challenges, including soaring public debts and deficits, reflect ongoing struggles that impact voter engagement, contributing to the low turnout observed in the recent election.

The presidential election in Tunisia underscores a critical moment in the nation’s political trajectory, as President Kais Saied is set to secure a substantial victory amid a climate of voter disinterest. With his opponents being sidelined and significant economic issues persisting, the legitimacy of the electoral process has been called into question. As Tunisia faces potential continued autocratic governance, the future of democratic principles and citizen engagement remains uncertain. Ultimately, this election may serve as a pivotal juncture for Tunisia’s political and economic landscape moving forward.

Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net