Tunisia's Presidential Election Set for October 6, 2024
The Tunisian presidency has announced that the next presidential election will be held on October 6, 2024. The decree was issued by President Kais Saied, who has held full powers since a controversial move on July 25, 2021. Saied, a specialist in the Constitution and democratically elected in October 2019, has yet to officially declare his candidacy for a second term.
Political Climate and Opposition Challenges
Since his coup in July 2021, President Saied has dissolved Parliament, dismissed the Prime Minister, and adopted a new Constitution through a referendum in 2022. The new system limits the powers of the Assembly of People's Representatives and introduces a National Council of Regions and Districts, shifting Tunisia from a parliamentary regime to an ultra-presidentialist system. Critics argue that this move confirms Saied's authoritarian drift. The main opposition parties, including the Islamo-conservative Ennahda and the Free Destourian Party, have been significantly weakened. Prominent opposition leaders, such as Rached Ghannouchi and Abir Moussi, are currently imprisoned, accused of plotting against state security.
Economic and Social Turmoil
Tunisia is not only grappling with a severe political crisis but also faces economic difficulties, including sluggish growth, rising poverty, and high unemployment. The country has become a primary departure point for migrants attempting perilous crossings to Europe. President Saied's xenophobic speech in February 2023 exacerbated the situation for sub-Saharan African nationals in Tunisia, leading to widespread loss of housing and jobs. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has criticized the Tunisian government for its intimidation and harassment of lawyers and media members critical of its policies.
- The opposition parties demand a fair political climate, the release of imprisoned politicians, and an end to media pressure to ensure credible elections. Despite the challenges, a joint candidacy might emerge from the National Salvation Front, with names like Abir Moussi being frequently mentioned.
- President Saied has criticized the rush of politicians to run for the presidency, accusing them of seeking power rather than addressing the country's issues. His supporters argue that the legal actions against opposition figures are justified, while critics see them as a strategy to clear the path for Saied's re-election.
- Since February 2023, an arrest campaign has targeted media figures, activists, judges, businessmen, and politicians. The opposition describes Saied's actions since July 2021 as a coup, but Saied defends them as necessary to save Tunisia from chaos and corruption.
