Kais Saied is projected to win Tunisia’s presidential election with 89.2 percent of the votes, based on an exit poll. Voter turnout was approximately 28 percent. Saied’s rule has been marked by political tensions, with his critics facing imprisonment and allegations of undemocratic practices. The official election results are awaited from the Independent High Authority for Elections of Tunisia.
Tunisian President Kais Saied is poised to secure re-election, with exit polling indicating he garnered 89.2 percent of the votes in the recent presidential election held on Sunday, although official results are pending from the Independent High Authority for Elections of Tunisia (ISIE). Voter turnout for the election was reported at approximately 28 percent. Saied, who ascended to power following a controversial takeover three years ago, faced competition primarily from Zouhair Maghzaoui, former ally turned critic, who received 3.9 percent of the votes, and Ayachi Zammel, a businessman whose candidacy was significantly undermined after his recent imprisonment, who obtained 6.9 percent. The political landscape leading up to this election has been marked by rising tensions, particularly following the disqualification of three opposition candidates by the electoral commission appointed by Saied. Prominent political figures from major opposition parties, which once dominated Tunisian politics post-Arab Spring, have faced imprisonment and suppression. Rached Ghannouchi, the leader of the Ennahda party, is among those currently incarcerated. Critics argue that since Saied’s election, he has reversed many democratic advancements achieved in Tunisia, undermining civil governance and judicial independence—most notably through the dissolution of the Supreme Judicial Council in 2022, and recent legislative actions that stripped judicial oversight from electoral disputes. Moreover, economic hardships, including high unemployment and inflation, have fueled public dissent and protests against his administration. The backdrop of this election reflects increasing dissatisfaction with Saied’s governance amid a political atmosphere regarded by the opposition as repressive and undemocratic.
Kais Saied’s tenure began following his election in 2019, which was viewed as a pivotal moment for Tunisia after the 2011 revolution that ousted long-standing President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Saied was initially celebrated for his populist messages against corruption but has since faced significant backlash for his power consolidation tactics, which critics describe as authoritarian. His administration’s controversial actions—including disbanding the parliament, rewriting the constitution, and imprisoning opponents—have raised concerns about Tunisia’s democratic integrity. The implications of these presidential elections extend beyond immediate political outcomes; they reflect deeper societal divisions and the ongoing struggle between democratic ideals and authority in a nation still grappling with the aftereffects of the Arab Spring.
In conclusion, the exit polls suggest Kais Saied is on track for a decisive victory in the presidential election, further entrenching his grip on power amid allegations of anti-democratic actions. The low voter turnout and the backdrop of significant opposition suppression signal a troubling period for Tunisia’s political landscape. As the ISIE prepares to announce official results, the implications of Saied’s potential re-election will resonate across Tunisia, impacting its socioeconomic conditions and democratic aspirations.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
