Tunisia’s Presidential Election: Kais Saied Poised for Dominant Victory Amidst Low Voter Engagement

President Kais Saied is projected to win Tunisia’s presidential election with 89.2 percent of the vote, amid voter turnout at less than 30 percent. His consolidation of power since 2021 has been marked by economic troubles and a declining political climate, drawing criticism for his governing style and the election process itself.

In the recent presidential election held in Tunisia, President Kais Saied is projected to secure an overwhelming 89.2 percent of the vote, as indicated by an exit poll released through state television on Sunday. This anticipated victory will serve to reinforce Saied’s authority, following his significant consolidation of power established in 2021. Official election results are slated for announcement on Monday evening. The election was notably marred by voter apathy, with a reported turnout of under 30 percent—specifically, 27.7 percent of the electorate—casting their votes, marking a significant drop from the 49 percent turnout observed during the first round of voting in the 2019 election. President Saied faced two challengers: the imprisoned businessman Ayachi Zammel and Zouhair Maghzaoui, a former ally turned leftist candidate. Saied, who previously served as a law professor, assumed the presidency in a climate of discontent with the political class that emerged post-Arab Spring. His rise to power and the expectation of a landslide victory are attributed to the marginalization or imprisonment of rivals. Critics argue that Saied’s first term has been punctuated by economic hardships and an increase in autocratic governance, particularly following his decision to suspend parliament and amend the constitution in 2021. Opposition figures have actively called for a boycott of the election, dismissing it as a mere farce. Despite numerous aspiring candidates expressing their intentions to compete against Saied, only three received approval from an election commission entirely appointed by the president. Since his election in 2019, Saied has faced increasing scrutiny following his dissolution of parliament in a maneuver criticized by many as a coup. He has consistently stated his refusal to yield authority to what he labels as “non-patriots.” When challenged about limitations on potential candidates during his candidacy submission, he firmly asserted, “There are no restrictions on potential candidates for the presidential elections… this is nonsense and lies.” Recent economic data underscores Tunisia’s persistent fiscal challenges, including public debt that has surged to over 80 percent of national GDP, compared to less than 40 percent in the year preceding the Arab Spring. Moreover, the current account deficit has escalated to 15 percent of GDP, exacerbated by rising import costs amidst global inflation and the shocks stemming from the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The context of Tunisia’s presidential election is rooted in the aftermath of the Arab Spring, where citizens sought to revamp the political, economic, and social landscape. President Kais Saied’s tenure has been characterized by significant shifts towards consolidating power, notably since 2021. The election serves as a critical juncture for assessing public sentiment and the state of democracy in Tunisia, as it is the third presidential ballot since the political upheaval in 2011. Voter turnout, a crucial indicator of public engagement, has drastically decreased, reflecting widespread disillusionment with the electoral process and government performance. Furthermore, the economic landscape presents chronic challenges, including high public debt and deficits resulting from global market fluctuations, impacting the populace’s confidence in their elected leaders.

President Kais Saied’s anticipated victory in the Tunisian presidential election represents both a continuation of his authority and a profound reflection of voter disengagement amidst economic challenges. The low turnout underscores widespread dissatisfaction with the political landscape, while Saied’s consolidation of power has been described by critics as increasingly autocratic. As Tunisia grapples with economic difficulties, it becomes imperative to assess how this electoral outcome might influence the country’s future political trajectory and stability.

Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net