Kais Saied has secured re-election as Tunisia’s president with 90.7 percent of the vote, despite a low voter turnout of 28.8 percent. His victory is marred by allegations of repression against political dissent. Saied’s administration has seen numerous opposition figures imprisoned and actions described as undermining democratic achievements since the 2011 revolution. His remarks accompanying his electoral victory reinforce his commitment to dismantling political corruption, albeit amidst growing concerns regarding his administration’s authoritarian trajectory.
Kais Saied has been re-elected as President of Tunisia, achieving a remarkable 90.7 percent of the vote amid a turnout of only 28.8 percent during the presidential election held on Sunday, as reported by the country’s electoral commission, the Independent High Authority for Elections of Tunisia (ISIE). This voter participation rate marks the lowest since the 2011 revolution, reflecting potential disillusionment among the populace. During this election, Saied faced two opponents: Zouhair Maghzaoui, a leader from the Chaab Party who has shifted from ally to critic, and Ayachi Zammel, a businessman who was anticipated to be a viable challenger but was incarcerated the previous month. Having held the presidency since 2019, Saied’s administration has been characterized by an uptick in arrests targeting political opponents and critics, undermining Tunisia’s previously celebrated democratic progress post-Arab Spring. Critics argue that Saied has effectively dismantled the democratic framework established after the 2011 uprisings, which had been lauded as a significant achievement in establishing a competitive political climate after decades of authoritarian rule. The government’s actions have drawn condemnation from human rights organizations for eroding institutional checks and balances and sidelining major political parties opposed to Saied’s regime. Notably, prominent opposition figures, including Abir Moussi of the Free Constitutional Party and several other potential candidates, are currently imprisoned, with allegations that their parties were effectively barred from participating in the election process. Saied previously dissolved Tunisia’s parliament in 2021 and amended the constitution, resulting in backlash and accusations of a coup d’état from opposition factions. Nonetheless, Saied has defended his actions as necessary measures to combat corruption within the political elite. Upon anticipated victory, he stated, “This is a continuation of the revolution. We will build and will cleanse the country of the corrupt, traitors, and conspirators.”
The political landscape in Tunisia has undergone significant transformations since the 2011 Arab Spring, which initially sparked widespread optimism for democratic reforms. As the only apparent success among the Arab Spring nations, Tunisia introduced competitive elections and civil liberties following years of autocratic governance. However, the rising popularity of Kais Saied, particularly following his successful assumption of the presidency in 2019, signals a troubling regression toward authoritarianism as his administration suppresses dissent and opposes opposition parties. Saied’s recent re-election and the associated low voter turnout suggest a crisis of legitimacy and public confidence in the political process.
The re-election of Kais Saied as Tunisia’s president, coupled with a historically low voter turnout, highlights a deepening crisis in the country’s democracy. Saied’s administration has faced substantial criticism for its authoritarian practices including the detainment of political opponents and the professional silencing of dissenting voices. As he embarks upon a second term, it remains imperative to scrutinize how he will navigate the balance between consolidating power and addressing the pressing needs of a disenchanted electorate focused on genuine democratic processes and reform.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
