Tunisia Faces Electoral Turmoil as President Kais Saied Moves to Amend Electoral Law
In a dramatic turn of events just weeks before the presidential elections scheduled for October 6, Tunisia is witnessing a controversial push by President Kais Saied to amend the electoral law. A draft law submitted by 34 deputies loyal to Saied aims to strip the Administrative Court of its authority over electoral disputes, raising alarms among activists and opposition candidates.
The proposed amendments, which are set to be discussed in Parliament next week, would permanently exclude the Administrative Court from overseeing electoral disputes. Observers suggest that this maneuver is a strategic move by Saied to consolidate power and secure his re-election by controlling the electoral process. The timing of this draft law has led many to fear that it could undermine the integrity of the upcoming elections and silence dissenting voices.
Concerns Over Election Integrity and Judicial Independence
Activists and legal experts have expressed grave concerns regarding the implications of this proposed law. The Administrative Court recently mandated the Election Commission to reinstate three disqualified candidates—Abdel Latif Al-Makki, Mundhir Al-Zanaidi, and Imad Al-Daimi—following a court ruling that deemed their exclusion illegal. However, the Election Commission has largely ignored these binding decisions, prompting fears that the proposed law will further entrench the President's control over electoral outcomes.
Lawyer Abdelwahab Moattar criticized the plan as a blatant attempt to prevent candidates from contesting their disqualification, arguing that it undermines the judiciary's independence and violates democratic principles. He emphasized that the amendments would effectively render the electoral process a tool of the executive branch, stifling any legal recourse for excluded candidates.
Public Outcry and Calls for Protest
In response to these alarming developments, the Tunisian Network for Rights and Freedoms has organized protests in the capital, denouncing the attempt to diminish the Administrative Court's role in the electoral process. Many view this as a direct threat to democracy in Tunisia, echoing sentiments that changing electoral laws during an election cycle is unprecedented and unacceptable.
The controversy surrounding the amendments is compounded by the imprisonment of candidate Ayachi Zemal, who has been unable to campaign effectively. Critics argue that these legal changes are designed to facilitate the cancellation of votes for candidates like Zemal, who have faced systemic barriers to participation in the electoral process.
As the October 6 elections draw near, the political landscape in Tunisia remains fraught with tension. With the current parliament likely to ratify the controversial amendments, many fear that the integrity of the electoral process and the future of democracy in Tunisia hang in the balance.
