Kais Saied Anticipated to Secure Re-election Amid Concerns Over Democratic Decline

Tunisia’s President Kais Saied is projected to win the presidential election with 89.2 percent of the vote amid a low turnout of 27.7 percent. His main rivals, both facing legal challenges, are expected to gain minimal support. Concerns arise over his consolidating power and potential further erosion of democracy in the country, which was once a symbol of the Arab Spring.

Incumbent President Kais Saied of Tunisia appears poised for a dominant victory in the presidential election, securing 89.2 percent of the votes, according to Sunday’s exit polls aired on national television, despite a notably low voter turnout. The independent polling group Sigma Conseil predicted an overwhelming defeat for Saied’s opponents, imprisoned candidate Ayachi Zammel, expected to garner 6.9 percent of the vote, and Zouhair Maghzaoui, anticipated to receive 3.9 percent. This electoral event follows a significant consolidation of power by Saied in the past three years, raising concerns among rights organizations regarding the implications of his re-election for democratic governance in Tunisia, the sole democracy arising from the Arab Spring revolutions. Since the ousting of autocratic ruler Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in 2011, Tunisia has considered itself a beacon of hope against authoritarianism. However, the political landscape has transformed drastically since Saied’s ascent to the presidency in 2019. Voter turnout was reported at only 27.7 percent, a stark decline from 45 percent in the previous election, and the lowest since the revolution. Hatem Nafti, a political analyst, commented on the compromised legitimacy of the vote, as 14 candidates were barred from participating due to alleged procedural shortcomings. Amid concerns of electoral fraud, some citizens expressed disillusionment, emphasizing a desire for an unbiased electoral process. Saied, who cast his vote in the capital alongside his wife, attributed his anticipated electoral success to a warning against purported foreign interference while promising to eradicate corruption. Celebrations erupted among his supporters following the exit poll results, demonstrating a divided public sentiment. Furthermore, Saied’s previous power grabs included significant constitutional reforms and a suppression of dissent, which have garnered both domestic and international criticism. Human Rights Watch reported that over 170 individuals face political imprisonment for expressions of their rights. In his quest for a renewed mandate, Saied has painted a picture of an impending battle against conspiratorial elements, pinpointing external forces as responsible for hindering development. Observers, however, predict that a further term may exacerbate Tunisia’s existing socio-economic issues and continue an authoritarian trend.

In the aftermath of the Arab Spring, Tunisia emerged as a model for democratic transitions, successfully ousting a long-standing tyrannical regime. The presidential election has been marred by controversies including allegations of an authoritarian crackdown on dissent and the exclusion of various political challengers. Kais Saied’s ascendancy to power marked a significant shift in the political dynamic, as he took decisive steps to curtail opposition and modify the constitution, leading to concerns regarding the erosion of democratic values and human rights in Tunisia.

Kais Saied’s anticipated re-election, indicated by exit polls showing nearly 90 percent support amid low voter participation, raises critical concerns about the future of democracy in Tunisia. The political climate, characterized by repression and exclusion of dissent, suggests an ongoing entrenchment of authoritarianism, which may further complicate the nation’s socio-economic challenges. As Tunisia navigates this precarious political landscape, the need for civic engagement and electoral integrity remains paramount.

Original Source: www.france24.com