As Tunisia approaches its presidential election scheduled for October 6, 2024, controversy and uncertainty have gripped the political landscape. The Electoral Commission has approved only two candidates, President Kais Saied and Ayachi Zammel, leading to criticism and concerns over the fairness of the electoral process.
A controversial approval process
The Electoral Commission’s decision to approve only two candidates—incumbent President Kais Saied and opposition leader Ayachi Zammel—has been widely criticised. The decision comes despite a recent court ruling that called for the reinstatement of three additional candidates who were barred from contesting the election.
According to reports, the Electoral Commission, led by Farouk Bouskar, failed to act on the Court’s ruling in time. The Commission’s statement shows that the Court’s ruling was not officially communicated within the required timeframe, which contributed to the exclusion of three candidates. This led to accusations that the commission was deliberately limiting the field to benefit President Saied.
Saeed’s rule and consolidation of power
President Kais Saied has been at the centre of Tunisia’s political storm since the start of his first term in 2019. Following his election, Saied suspended parliament and took control of executive powers, effectively centralising power. In 2021, he pushed through a controversial new constitution that gave him sweeping powers, including full executive control and supreme command of the armed forces. The move was widely seen as a step towards authoritarian rule and a departure from democratic principles established after the Arab Spring in 2011.
The new constitution replaced the first constitution drafted after the ouster of long-time dictator Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali. Saied has justified these measures as a desire to overcome political paralysis and economic stagnation, but critics argue that his actions undermine democratic governance and restrict political pluralism.
Zammel’s campaign and legal issues
One of the two candidates approved for the election, Ayachi Zammel, has faced legal challenges, further complicating the electoral process. His campaign team reported that Zammel has been arrested, although the specifics of the charges against him remain unclear. The election commission’s decision to approve Zammel has been controversial, particularly given allegations of rigging support signatures – a claim that Zammel’s team has strongly denied, calling it “absurd”.
The participation of Zammel, who has been a vocal critic of Saied’s administration, adds another layer of complexity to the election. His campaign is considered a crucial test of the political opposition’s ability to challenge Saied’s dominance, despite the constraints imposed by the current political climate.
Exclusion and human rights concerns
Human Rights Watch reports that Tunisian authorities have systematically excluded other potential candidates through legal and extralegal means. The rights group highlighted that eight other candidates were prosecuted or imprisoned ahead of the election, raising serious concerns about the fairness of the electoral process.
The exclusion of these candidates has been interpreted as a deliberate attempt to consolidate Saied’s power and undermine the prospects for a competitive election. The move has been condemned by various human rights organizations and international observers, who argue that it undermines the democratic process and violates fundamental rights.
Political climate and public sentiment
The political climate in Tunisia is fraught with tension and division. Many Tunisians are frustrated with the current state of governance, which they see as a retreat from the democratic ideals fought for during the Arab Spring. The exclusion of opposition candidates and the concentration of power in the hands of Saied have fueled suspicion and frustration among the public.
Despite the current challenges, many Tunisians have a strong desire to see a return to democratic norms and a more inclusive political process. The upcoming election is seen as a pivotal moment for the country, with many hoping it will lead to a renewed commitment to democratic principles and greater transparency in governance.
Looking Ahead
As Tunisia moves toward a presidential election, the political landscape is fraught with controversy and uncertainty. The decision to approve only two candidates, along with the exclusion of others and ongoing legal issues, casts a shadow over the electoral process. The outcome of the election will have significant implications for the future of Tunisian democracy and the broader political climate in the region.