Tunisia’s Presidential Election: A Foregone Conclusion Amidst Voter Apathy

President Kais Saied is anticipated to win Tunisia’s presidential election with approximately 89.2% of the vote, amidst low voter turnout of less than 30%. This election, marked by significant apathy and allegations of a rigged process, sees Saied consolidating power following his controversial assumption of authority in 2021. The economic situation remains dire, with soaring debt and trade deficits, complicating the political landscape.

Tunisian President Kais Saied appears poised for a resounding victory in the presidential election, with an exit poll indicating he will secure approximately 89.2 percent of the vote. This anticipated win would further solidify Saied’s grip on power, which he has been consolidating since 2021 when he suspended parliament and amended the constitution. The official results of the election are expected to be disclosed on Monday evening. However, the election has been characterized by significant voter apathy, as turnout fell below 30 percent, contrasting sharply with the 49 percent participation in the first round of the 2019 election. In this election, Saied faced two challengers: Ayachi Zammel, a businessman currently imprisoned, and Zouhair Maghzaoui, a leftist candidate who had previously supported Saied. This relatively smooth path to victory is attributed to the marginalization or imprisonment of his opponents. During his first term in office, President Saied, who is a former law professor, has confronted economic difficulties while exerting substantial political control. He has faced opposition accusations that he presided over a sham election, with calls for a boycott gaining traction among dissenting voices. By the close of polling, merely 2.7 million voters—27.7 percent of the eligible electorate—had cast their ballots. Despite a significant number of potential candidates expressing desire to run against him, only three were permitted by the election commission, which is composed entirely of Saied’s appointees. Shortly after announcing his candidacy, Saied refuted allegations of imposing restrictions on his adversaries, stating, “whoever talks about restrictions is delusional.” He further emphasized Tunisia’s right to self-determination by declaring, “We will not accept any foreign party interfering in the choices of our people.” Tunisia’s economic challenges are exacerbated, with public debt soaring to over 80 percent of the nation’s GDP, a notable increase from less than 40 percent prior to the Arab Spring in 2010. Furthermore, the current account deficit has surged to 15 percent of GDP, driven largely by escalating prices for imported goods, including essential commodities and energy sources amidst global inflation and the ramifications of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The context surrounding this election is rooted in Tunisia’s post-Arab Spring political evolution. Since the uprising, which overthrew long-standing authoritarian rule, the nation has struggled with the establishment of a stable democratic governance. Kais Saied rose to prominence by appealing to public discontent with traditional political elites and has utilized his presidency to centralize authority. The actions he has taken since assuming office, particularly the suspension of parliament and the revision of the constitution in a bid to streamline power, have drawn criticism domestically and internationally for potentially undermining Tunisia’s democratic framework. This presidential election marks a crucial moment for the country, as it seeks to navigate significant economic challenges and find its footing in a complex political landscape.

The presidential election in Tunisia appears to reaffirm Kais Saied’s dominance, with predictions hinting at a significant victory amid dismal voter turnout. The public’s disengagement from the electoral process reflects broader disillusionment with the political system and highlights ongoing economic hardships that have exacerbated social discontent. As the nation faces critical challenges, including rising public debt and an increasing current account deficit, the implications of this electoral outcome will be pivotal for Tunisia’s future trajectory.

Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net