Tunisian President Kais Saied is projected to win the presidential election with 89.2% of the vote amid very low voter turnout, recorded at under 30%. This election marks a further consolidation of Saied’s power, despite criticisms of his increasingly autocratic governance style and a failing economy.
In the recent presidential election held in Tunisia, President Kais Saied emerged as the overwhelming frontrunner, projected to garner 89.2 percent of the votes based on exit polls aired on state television. This anticipated victory would further entrench Saied’s power, following his consolidation of authority in 2021 when he suspended parliament and instituted significant changes to the constitution. However, the election was characterized by marked voter apathy, with turnout recorded at less than 30 percent, representing 2.7 million voters from an electorate of approximately 10 million. This reflects a significant decline from the 49 percent turnout recorded during the initial round of voting in the 2019 elections. President Saied faced limited competition from two opponents: Ayachi Zammel, an imprisoned businessman, and Zouhair Maghzaoui, a former supporter whose recent opposition has been muted. Saied, who previously garnered support due to public discontent with the post-Arab Spring political landscape, has faced increasing criticism during his tenure for ruling via decree and what his detractors describe as an autocratic approach. His government has been marked by economic difficulties, with rising public debt and a substantial current account deficit exacerbated by global economic factors, including inflation and the ramifications of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. A call for boycott had resonated among opposition factions, which deemed the electoral process a sham, further illustrating the prevailing sentiment among a disenchanted electorate. As of now, the official results are expected to be announced later on Monday, but the current political climate suggests that President Saied’s reign will likely continue amid allegations of electoral restrictions and systemic limitations placed on potential candidates.
Tunisia’s political landscape has been turbulent since the 2011 Arab Spring, where a wave of protests led to the ousting of then-President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Following this period, the nation undertook a transition to democracy, resulting in several electoral processes. However, President Kais Saied’s ascent in 2019 marked a pivotal shift as he capitalized on public dissatisfaction with the political elite. His subsequent actions, including the suspension of parliament in 2021 and the rewriting of the constitution, have raised concerns over democratic backsliding and authoritarianism. The country’s economy has also been struggling, with rising debt levels and significant deficits in international trade contributing to public discontent.
In conclusion, the presidential election in Tunisia highlighted profound issues of voter disillusionment and political repression under President Kais Saied’s administration. While he is on track to secure a significant electoral victory, this outcome is overshadowed by an alarming decline in voter turnout and allegations of impediments faced by political rivals. The ongoing economic crisis further complicates Saied’s leadership, raising questions regarding the future democratic trajectory of Tunisia.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
