Tunisian Presidential Elections: A Divided Landscape
As Tunisia approaches its presidential elections scheduled for next Sunday, the opposition parties are united in their stance against the legitimacy of the electoral process. They argue that the elections are a mere facade designed to reinforce the power of President Kais Saied, who has faced increasing scrutiny for his authoritarian practices since taking office in 2019. The opposition claims that the electoral commission has systematically excluded serious candidates and manipulated the electoral framework to favor Saied.
Opposition Calls for Boycott
Five political parties, including the Workers' Party and the Ennahda Movement, have issued a joint statement urging citizens to boycott the elections. They cite blatant violations of fair competition and the biased nature of the electoral commission as key reasons for their position. Belkacem Hassan, a member of the Democratic Current Party, emphasized that the political environment has deteriorated, rendering the elections devoid of transparency and integrity. The opposition's concerns are compounded by the recent legal actions against candidates, which they argue are attempts to stifle dissent and maintain Saied's grip on power.
A Climate of Fear and Control
Human rights activists have voiced alarm over the current political climate, which they describe as one marked by fear and repression. Lawyer Ayachi Hammami highlighted the president's manipulation of the judicial system to eliminate competition, pointing to the case of Al-Ayachi Zemal, a candidate currently imprisoned under dubious charges. The opposition fears that the upcoming elections will lack the credibility necessary for a fair democratic process, as many citizens feel discouraged from participating due to the oppressive atmosphere created by Saied's regime.
