Kais Saied: The Steady Erosion of Democracy in Tunisia

President Kais Saied is poised for an assured win in the upcoming Tunisian presidential election, with significant opposition figures imprisoned and little democratic activity evident. The political climate is marked by disillusionment and repression, challenging the hopes that emerged following the Arab Spring in 2011.

In Tunisia, President Kais Saied is positioned to secure a definitive victory in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for Sunday. This development occurs amidst a backdrop of limited democratic activity, with few candidate posters, no public debates, and a palpable lack of suspense regarding the election outcome. Saied has demonstrated such confidence in his impending triumph that he has refrained from presenting any detailed policy proposals. The president’s principal rival is currently imprisoned, serving lengthy sentences—reportedly based on fabricated charges—while a considerable number of other potential candidates are either incarcerated or subjected to house arrest. This pervasive climate of repression has led to widespread disillusionment among the Tunisian populace regarding the sustainability of democracy, particularly in light of the civil unrest that once heralded the dawn of such a system. Souhaib Fercheche, a prominent campaigner with the civic organization I Watch, remarked on the dire state of political affairs, stating, “He’s willing to do anything it takes to stay in power — dividing Tunisians, prosecuting them, accusing them.” The discontent stems from the aftermath of the 2011 revolution, which initially appeared to herald a new era of democratic governance. For many Tunisians, however, the aspirations for improved governance and economic opportunities remain unfulfilled, casting doubt upon the democratic institutions meant to provide them.

The current political situation in Tunisia is marked by autocratic governance under President Kais Saied, who has been consolidating power since his election. This concentration of authority, characterized by the imprisonment of opposition figures and a steadily narrowing democratic space, has resulted in widespread skepticism regarding the functionality of Tunisia’s democracy. The events of the Arab Spring, which initially promised political reform and improved liberties, have now seemingly devolved into a cycle of repression and disenfranchisement.

In light of the forthcoming elections, it is evident that President Kais Saied’s grip on power is likely to endure. The substantial barriers faced by opposition candidates, coupled with Saied’s evident disregard for democratic processes, paints a grim picture for the future of political freedom in Tunisia. As citizens reflect on a decade of post-revolutionary governance, the gap between their expectations and reality continues to widen, leaving many to question the effectiveness of their current political system.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com