Kais Saied Secures Second Term as President of Tunisia with Overwhelming Majority
In a decisive victory, Kais Saied has been re-elected as the President of Tunisia, garnering an impressive 90.69% of the votes in a presidential election held on Sunday, October 6, 2024. The electoral commission's announcement on October 8 revealed that Saied received approximately 2.4 million votes, while his closest competitor, Ayachi Zemal, who is currently imprisoned, managed to secure only 197,000 votes (7.35%). Former MP Zouhair El Maghzaoui received 52,000 votes (1.97%). Despite Saied's overwhelming victory, the voter turnout was notably low at 28.8%, marking the lowest participation rate since the revolution that ousted Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in 2011.
The head of the electoral commission, Farouk Bouasker, confirmed that the total number of votes cast was 2,808,548, with 2,689,408 valid votes counted after accounting for 34,187 blank ballots and 84,953 invalid ballots. With this victory, Saied will continue to serve as president until 2029.
However, the election has been marred by controversy. The Tunisian Workers' Party has called for the results to be disregarded, labeling the election a “farce.” The National Salvation Front, the largest opposition coalition, boycotted the elections, claiming that the conditions for a fair electoral process were not met. The authorities, on the other hand, maintain that the elections were conducted under fair conditions.
Since taking office, Saied has faced accusations of consolidating power and undermining democratic institutions. His administration has implemented exceptional measures since July 25, 2021, including the dissolution of the Judicial Council and Parliament, the issuance of presidential decrees, and the approval of a new constitution through a referendum. Supporters view these actions as necessary corrections to the 2011 revolution, while critics argue they represent a coup against the democratic principles established by the 2014 constitution. As Tunisia grapples with severe political polarization and a deepening crisis, the implications of Saied's continued presidency remain to be seen.
