Authorities in Tunisia have compromised the integrity of the October 2024 presidential election by changing electoral laws shortly before the vote, detaining opposition candidates, and restricting media freedom. Human Rights Watch highlights these actions as part of a broader suppression of dissent that jeopardizes fair electoral processes in the country.
Tunisian authorities have significantly jeopardized the integrity of the upcoming presidential election scheduled for October 6, 2024, by implementing recent amendments to the electoral law mere days before the election. Human Rights Watch has reported multiple actions taken by the government that negatively impact opposition candidates, civil society organizations, and independent media. On September 27, the Assembly of the Representatives of the People enacted a law that removed the Administrative Court’s role in overseeing electoral issues, inhibiting crucial oversight against potential abuses. This change followed a series of political arrests, resulting in over 170 detainees linked to political activities, including more than 110 associated with the Ennahda opposition party. Additionally, the electoral commission has denied accreditation to election observers and has implemented measures targeting media coverage. Bassam Khawaja, the deputy director for the Middle East and North Africa at Human Rights Watch, stated, “Tunisian authorities are systematically placing obstacle after obstacle in the way of a fair election and opposition candidates being able to campaign for president freely.” Revisions to the electoral legislation stipulate that the Tunis Court of Appeal is the exclusive authority for addressing electoral disputes, including those ongoing, thus effectively limiting any potential appeals to this single judicial body. This legislative change comes after an Administrative Court ruling reinstated several excluded candidates, only for the electoral commission to proceed by initiating the election campaign with just three candidates approved by authorities. Amid escalating political repression, numerous arrests of critics have occurred, predominantly against members or supporters of the Ennahda party. While some individuals have been released, the majority remain under stringent legal measures that include detention without charge and restrictions on legal counsel. Law enforcement has aggressively targeted civil society, closing Ennahda’s headquarters and arresting influential leaders since December 2022. Within this context, the electoral commission, now largely under presidential control after a 2022 restructuring, has denied recognition to reputable election monitoring organizations, such as I Watch and Mourakiboun, citing dubious allegations of foreign influence. In tandem, there has been an alarming increase in prosecutions aimed at journalists, with accusations ranging from undermining the electoral body to failing to ensure neutrality in their coverage. As Tunisia is a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), it is obligated to facilitate free and fair electoral processes free from discrimination based on political beliefs. The Human Rights Committee has asserted that protective measures for freedom of expression, assembly, and association are fundamental for a legitimate voting process. Khawaja further urged, “Tunisian authorities should release all those arbitrary detained and allow civil society organizations and the media to operate freely, including during the electoral process.” This ongoing campaign against democratic processes raises serious questions regarding the legitimacy of the forthcoming election.
The political landscape in Tunisia has seen significant turmoil since the 2011 uprisings that led to the establishment of a more democratic framework. However, recent actions by the current government indicate a troubling regression in democratic norms. The alteration of the electoral law and the suppression of opposition parties and civil society signal a concerted effort to stifle dissent and manipulate electoral outcomes. The rights to free expression and assembly, outlined in international human rights covenants, are crucial for ensuring fair elections and political pluralism. The current environment reflects an alarming trend toward authoritarianism, undermining established democratic processes in Tunisia.
The recent changes to Tunisia’s electoral law, combined with the systematic suppression of political dissent and the media, gravely threaten the upcoming presidential election’s integrity. The actions of the authorities not only contravene Tunisia’s commitments under international humanrights conventions but also foster an environment of repression that undermines the tenets of democracy. It is essential for the Tunisian government to uphold the rule of law and ensure that all citizens can participate in the electoral process without fear of reprisal, to restore faith in its democratic institutions.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
