Kais Saied Poised for Electoral Victory Amidst Concerns Over Legitimacy and Authoritarianism

Kais Saied is projected to win Tunisia’s presidential election with 89.2 percent support based on exit polls, despite a low turnout of 27.7 percent. Rights organizations express concern that his re-election will entrench his authoritarian rule following a significant power grab in 2021. Saied’s main competitors remain largely sidelined, contributing to the electoral legitimacy debate. Observers fear that Saied’s continued leadership may worsen Tunisia’s existing socioeconomic challenges and undermine its democratic foundations.

Kais Saied, the incumbent President of Tunisia, is anticipated to secure a substantial victory in the presidential election, achieving approximately 89.2 percent of the vote according to exit polls released following the conclusion of the voting period. Despite this overwhelming support indicated in the polls, the voter turnout was markedly low at only 27.7 percent, raising concerns among rights organizations regarding the legitimacy of the electoral process. Saied, who is 66 years old, is poised to defeat his main rivals, including imprisoned opponent Ayachi Zammel, expected to receive 6.9 percent of the vote, and Zouhair Maghzaoui with 3.9 percent, as reported by the independent polling organization Sigma Conseil. This election comes three years after Saied’s consolidation of power, which has fostered fears that his continued presidency would solidify his authoritarian regime in a nation once hailed as a beacon of democracy following the Arab Spring. While Tunisia enjoyed a pivotal role in the Arab uprisings that led to the ousting of long-time dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in 2011, the political trajectory shifted significantly after Saied’s election in 2019. The Tunisian electoral board, ISIE, cited that out of roughly 12 million residents eligible to vote, only around 9.7 million participated, highlighting a declining voter engagement compared to 45 percent turnout during the 2019 elections. Critics argue that the legitimacy of this election is compromised, as noted by political commentator Hatem Nafti, who remarked that “the vote’s legitimacy is undoubtedly tainted with candidates who could have overshadowed (Saied) being systematically sidelined.” The ISIE had disqualified 14 candidates from the race, invoking various technicalities, which further exacerbates concerns regarding electoral fairness. In a bid to bolster his credibility, President Saied has decried “foreign interference” in Tunisian affairs while committing to combat corruption within the political framework. He expressed optimism about the polling results, referencing that the exit poll findings align closely with actual voter sentiment. Saied’s anticipated victory was met with celebrations from his supporters, although some citizens expressed skepticism about the electoral integrity, fearing instances of manipulation and lack of transparency. As the official results are expected to be announced on Monday, there is apprehension among observers that Saied’s re-election may exacerbate existing economic difficulties and solidify his authoritarian governance, which has already resulted in significant political repression, including the detention of over 170 individuals on political grounds, as highlighted by Human Rights Watch. Critics have underscored that a new term for Saied might not only fail to address socioeconomic issues but could also lead to further degradation of democratic norms.

The article discusses the current state of political affairs in Tunisia following the presidential election featuring incumbent President Kais Saied. The context includes Saied’s significant victory as indicated by exit polls, the exceptionally low voter turnout, and the consequences of his previous consolidation of power and suppression of dissent since taking office in 2019. The narrative reflects on Tunisia’s historical significance as the birthplace of the Arab Spring and the shift in its democratic trajectory under Saied’s leadership, raising important questions regarding electoral legitimacy and the future of democracy in Tunisia.

In conclusion, Kais Saied’s expected re-election amidst a backdrop of low voter turnout and significant opposition repression underscores a critical juncture in Tunisia’s political landscape. The potential consolidation of his authoritarian rule raises alarms about the future of democratic governance in a country that once inspired hopes for political reform in the region. Observers remain watchful for the official results and the implications they hold for both Tunisia’s immediate socio-political climate and its long-term democratic aspirations.

Original Source: www.france24.com