Kais Saied’s Re-Election: The Return of Authoritarianism in Tunisia

Kais Saied has won re-election as Tunisia’s president, capturing over 89 percent of the vote in a controversial election criticized for lack of fair competition and low voter turnout. Most challengers were disqualified, and the main opponent is imprisoned on charges deemed unfounded by rights advocates. This victory highlights a retreat toward authoritarianism, reminiscent of past regimes, amid growing public disenchantment with Saied’s governance and absence of viable political alternatives.

In the most recent presidential election in Tunisia, incumbent President Kais Saied has emerged victorious, solidifying his hold on power in a landscape marred by accusations of electoral manipulation and repression. According to exit polls released by state media, President Saied received an overwhelming 89 percent of the vote, defeating opponents Ayachi Zammel, currently imprisoned on dubious electoral fraud charges, and Zouhair Maghzaoui, who had previously backed Saied before running against him. This election, however, was characterized by an atmosphere of fear and control; most of Saied’s potential rivals were disqualified from the race amidst claims of political persecution reminiscent of the pre-2011 dictatorship of Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali. This election marks the first presidential contest since Saied’s authoritarian regime began to dismantle the democratic structures that emerged following the Arab Spring uprising. Voter turnout was notably low, approximately fifty percent of the participation seen during the last election, reflecting widespread disenchantment among the populace with Saied’s governance. Critics argue that the significant decline in voter engagement illustrates a growing disillusionment with Saied’s leadership among Tunisians, who once regarded him as a beacon of hope for a promising political future. Despite these sentiments, many citizens feel unable to endorse any viable alternative amid a fragmented political opposition.

Tunisia has a complex political history following the Arab Spring, marked by attempts to establish democracy after the ousting of the long-standing dictator Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali in 2011. The nascent democracy faced numerous challenges, including political fragmentation and economic hardship. Kaiser Saied, initially seen as a reformer when he was elected in 2019, has since taken authoritarian measures that critics say threaten the democratic gains made during this tumultuous period. His recent electoral victory, achieved under controversial circumstances, signifies a potential regression to a more oppressive governance model reminiscent of pre-revolutionary Tunisia.

The election of Kais Saied, characterized by extraordinary vote margins and low public participation, raises questions about the integrity of Tunisia’s democratic process. In a climate where the opposition is severely undermined and critical voices are silenced, this electoral outcome may signal a troubling trend toward authoritarianism in a nation that once epitomized the aspirations for democracy in the Arab world. Only time will reveal the long-term implications of Saied’s continued leadership on Tunisia’s political landscape.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com