Kais Saied Secures Second Term Amid Concerns Over Democratic Backsliding in Tunisia

Kais Saied has been re-elected as Tunisia’s President, receiving 90.7 percent of the votes despite a low turnout of 28.8 percent. His administration has faced criticism for a crackdown on opposition and democratic institutions since he took office in 2019, drawing comparisons to authoritarianism. Saied’s remarks suggest a continuation of his agenda against corruption as he reaffirms control amidst rising political tensions.

Tunisian President Kais Saied has secured a second term in the presidential election held recently, as announced by the Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE). According to the commission’s head, President Saied achieved an overwhelming 90.7 percent of the vote, despite the turnout being recorded at only 28.8 percent, the lowest since the 2011 revolution. This election saw Saied face competition from two candidates: Zouhair Maghzaoui, the Chaab Party leader who has become a critic, and businessman Ayachi Zammel, whose candidacy was notably impacted by his recent imprisonment. Since assuming power in 2019, President Saied has been criticized for a series of arrests targeting political opponents and dissenters. Many observers view Tunisia, once celebrated as a beacon of democratic progress following the Arab Spring, as witnessing a regression in its democratic processes under Saied’s leadership. His administration has systematically dismantled the checks and balances that were established to safeguard against abuses of power. Notably, prominent opposition figures have been jailed in the lead-up to this election, including Abir Moussi, who leads the Free Constitutional Party, alongside other contenders. Several competitors were barred from running entirely. Saied, in 2021, took significant actions that opponents have labeled a coup, which included dissolving the parliament and amending the constitution. In his remarks following the election results, Saied reaffirmed his stance against corruption, asserting, “This is a continuation of the revolution. We will build and will cleanse the country of the corrupt, traitors and conspirators.”

This article discusses the recent re-election of Kais Saied as the President of Tunisia amid low voter turnout and significant political tension. Tunisia has faced challenges since the 2011 revolution that initially established a more democratic framework following years of oppressive governance. Saied’s administration has been marked by an aggressive crackdown on dissent and opposition, raising concerns among rights groups and the international community regarding the future of democracy in the country. Understanding this context is essential in evaluating the implications of Saied’s continued presidency for Tunisia’s political landscape and civil rights.

Kais Saied’s re-election in Tunisia, marked by a significant majority in votes alongside alarmingly low turnout, underscores a growing discontent among the electorate amidst political repression. His actions since taking office have significantly curtailed democratic freedoms, leading to the imprisonment of various political opponents and critics. As Tunisia navigates this political landscape, the implications of Saied’s continued rule remain a point of concern for both domestic stability and international observers.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com