Kais Saied Expected to Secure Victory in Tunisia’s Presidential Election Despite Voter Apathy

Kais Saied is projected to win Tunisia’s presidential election with 89.2% as voter turnout drops below 30%. Opponents face significant disadvantages, contributing to apathy. Saied’s leadership has drawn criticism for authoritarian measures and economic challenges. The election reflects growing public disillusionment.

In the recent presidential election held in Tunisia, incumbent President Kais Saied is anticipated to achieve a substantial victory, projected at 89.2 percent according to exit polls released on state television. This impending affirmation of his leadership comes in the wake of significant consolidations of power that Saied has carried out since 2021. Official election outcomes are expected to be disclosed by Monday evening. The election was marked by notable voter apathy, with less than 30 percent of registered voters participating in the electoral process, a stark contrast to the nearly 49 percent turnout seen during the first round of the 2019 elections. Saied was contested by two opponents: imprisoned businessman Ayachi Zammel and leftist candidate Zouhair Maghzaoui, a former ally of Saied. However, the election atmosphere favored Saied due to the marginalization and imprisonment of his opponents. Saied’s rise to power is rooted in public discontent with the political elite following the Arab Spring, yet his presidency has been fraught with challenges, including economic turmoil and increased autocratic measures, such as suspending parliament in 2021 and amending the constitution. Notably, the opposition has characterized the current electoral process as illegitimate, calling for a boycott. With polling station closures reporting approximately 2.7 million voters—27.7 percent participation—the lack of engagement underscores the declining faith in the electoral system. Despite various potential challengers expressing intentions to run against Saied, only three candidates were approved by the election commission, which is entirely appointed under his administration. Saied, now 66 years old, has been vocal about his intent to maintain his grip on power, asserting that he will not yield authority to individuals he deems as “non-patriots.” He has refuted claims of imposing restrictions on potential opponents, stating, “whoever talks about restrictions is delusional.” Furthermore, he indicated national sovereignty by rejecting any external influences on Tunisia’s electoral choices. The socioeconomic landscape of Tunisia is deeply troubled, characterized by chronic challenges such as a public debt exceeding 80 percent of the national income, stark inflation impacting basic goods and energy costs, and a current account deficit reaching 15 percent of the GDP—issues exacerbated by ongoing global crises, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Tunisia has experienced significant political and economic upheaval since the Arab Spring of 2011. The current context of the presidential election is intricately linked to Kais Saied’s tenure, which began with a promise of reform but has led to accusations of autocratic governance. His actions have raised concerns regarding democratic backsliding, particularly the dissolution of parliament and alterations to the constitution that strengthen executive power at the expense of democratic institutions. The electorate’s disillusionment is reflected in the current low voter turnout, as many citizens have expressed skepticism towards the electoral integrity and the governing bodies.

In summary, President Kais Saied is poised for a decisive victory in the Tunisian presidential election amid low voter engagement that highlights widespread public dissatisfaction with the political landscape. His administration’s consolidation of power since 2021 and the opposition’s calls for a boycott illustrate the ongoing struggle for democracy in Tunisia. The upcoming official results, expected to confirm Saied’s dominance, will further illuminate the complexities of Tunisia’s political future.

Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net