Kais Saied Declared Winner of Tunisia's Presidential Election
In a significant political development, incumbent President Kais Saied has been declared the winner of Tunisia's presidential election, securing 89.2% of the votes according to exit polls conducted by the Sigma Conseil Foundation. This victory was celebrated by his supporters on Habib Bourguiba Avenue in central Tunis, marking what Saied described as a continuation of the revolution. His brother, who managed the election campaign, emphasized that this overwhelming victory symbolizes a high level of public trust necessary for building a new future.
The election saw a low turnout of approximately 28%, a stark contrast to the 49% in the previous presidential election in 2019. Saied's main rival, Ayachi Zammel, who is currently imprisoned, received only 7% of the vote, while another candidate, Zouhair Maghzaoui, garnered about 3.9%. The election process has faced criticism, particularly from Zammel's campaign, which condemned the results as a violation of electoral laws and expressed confidence in their candidate's potential success in a second round.
Controversies Surrounding the Election Process
The recent elections have been marred by allegations of unfair practices, including the exclusion of prominent candidates from the race, which has raised concerns among civil society organizations and political analysts. The Independent High Authority for Elections has faced scrutiny for the low voter turnout and the legitimacy of the electoral process, especially after parliamentary actions stripped the Administrative Court of its power to adjudicate election disputes. Political analysts have voiced concerns about the implications of these developments for Tunisia's democratic processes.
Despite the controversies, the election results are a clear signal of Saied's continued popularity among his supporters, who view his presidency as a pivotal moment in Tunisia's journey towards a more stable and self-determined republic. As Tunisia moves forward, the focus will be on how the government addresses the concerns raised by opposition parties and civil society regarding the electoral process and the future of democratic governance in the country.
