Kais Saied's Landslide Victory in Tunisian Presidential Elections
In a decisive outcome, President Kais Saied has secured a second term in the Tunisian presidential elections, garnering over 90% of the votes according to the electoral commission. This election, held on October 6, 2024, has been marked by a significant boycott from various political parties, leading to a voter turnout of approximately 28%, the lowest since Tunisia's democratic transition began in 2011. Saied received more than 2.4 million votes, while his closest rival, Ayachi Zemal, captured only 7.35% of the votes, highlighting the lack of viable opposition.
Factors Influencing Saied's Victory
Analysts attribute Saied's overwhelming victory to several factors, including the absence of major opposition parties at the polls. The boycott by five leftist parties and a lack of support from the Islamist Ennahda Movement played a crucial role in diminishing the competition. Political activist Abdel Wahab Moattar noted that the support for Saied closely mirrored the participation rates seen in the controversial constitutional referendum he conducted in July 2022. Critics, however, have raised concerns about the legitimacy of the results, suspecting electoral manipulation and questioning the fairness of the process.
Implications for Tunisian Democracy
Saied's victory is viewed with skepticism by many observers, who fear that it represents a continuation of authoritarian rule in Tunisia. Since taking office, Saied has been criticized for undermining democratic institutions and stifling dissent, with numerous political prisoners currently detained. As he embarks on his second term, the implications for democracy and civil liberties remain a pressing concern for both domestic and international observers. While Saied's supporters celebrate his electoral triumph as a mandate for change, the opposition vows to continue their struggle for a return to democratic governance.
