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Rising Authoritarianism in Tunisia Ahead of Elections
2024-10-06 17:55:09
Politics
Government

Rising Authoritarianism in Tunisia Ahead of Elections

Image courtesy of : AFP (FETHI BELAID)

As Tunisia approaches its elections, President Kais Saied appears set to secure another term without significant opposition. The political landscape is marked by increasing repression, with many potential challengers imprisoned or disqualified, raising concerns about fairness.

Critics liken Saied's rule to that of former dictator Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, fearing a regression in democratic values. The population grapples with high unemployment and corruption, eroding trust in leadership.

Saied's government has also strengthened military influence and undermined the rule of law, stifling dissent. Despite these troubling developments, international priorities, such as migration management and green energy agreements with the European Union, overshadow criticisms of Tunisia's declining democracy.

Civic organizations have condemned Saied's authoritarian tactics, highlighting the urgent need for a return to democratic principles in the face of escalating repression.

Related news on that topic:

Tunisia's Political Turmoil: Saied's Authoritarian Grip Tightens

Tunisia's presidential election has been overshadowed by the near-certain victory of incumbent Kais Saied, amid accusations of authoritarianism and political repression. With major opposition figures imprisoned or barred from running, Saied faces minimal competition, his main rivals being Zouhair Maghzaoui and Ayachi Zammel, the latter of whom is currently incarcerated. Since his landslide victory in 2019, Saied has transitioned from a symbol of democratic hope to a leader accused of consolidating power through undemocratic means. In 2021, he dissolved parliament, and later restructured the judiciary and the electoral commission to align with his vision. A 2022 constitutional referendum further solidified his control, effectively granting him autocratic power. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have decried the regression of democratic freedoms in Tunisia. They highlight the detainment of over 170 political figures and activists, pointing to a worrying decline in civil liberties in the nation once hailed as a beacon of the Arab Spring. Despite economic struggles, including high unemployment and inflation, Saied has maintained a firm stance against IMF-imposed conditions, opting instead to strengthen ties with non-traditional partners like Iran and China. This economic hardship, coupled with Saied's divisive rhetoric, has further polarized the Tunisian populace. While Saied's supporters remain loyal, critics have raised concerns over election integrity, fearing manipulation of the democratic process. Protests in Tunis reflect a simmering unrest, as citizens call for a return to democratic norms and the end of Saied's controversial rule. As Tunisia grapples with these challenges, the future of its democracy hangs in the balance.

Tunisia's Democratic Erosion under Saied's Rule

Tunisia, once hailed as the beacon of democracy in the Arab world, is now at a crossroads as it undergoes its presidential election. Incumbent President Kais Saied is poised for re-election, despite mounting concerns over his increasingly authoritarian rule since a controversial power grab in 2021. This election is the first since the Arab Spring of 2011, a period that initially promised democratic progress for Tunisia. Saied's anticipated victory is shadowed by the detainment of key opposition figures, including notable names such as Ennahdha's Rached Ghannouchi. Approximately 170 political figures have been jailed, contributing to a climate of political repression. Amidst an economic crisis, voter enthusiasm appears dampened, with low turnout expected. The international community, particularly the European Union, is closely watching Tunisia's political landscape. The EU views Saied as a significant partner, especially in migration control, despite his domestic policies raising eyebrows. Saied's administration has been criticized for tightening border controls, resulting in a significant reduction of migrants crossing the Mediterranean, an outcome that aligns with EU interests. However, Tunisia's economic struggles persist. The nation has not rebounded to its pre-pandemic economic levels, with zero growth reported. Critics argue that EU agreements, focusing heavily on border security, fail to address Tunisia's economic challenges and inadvertently bolster Saied's authoritarian grip. As protests erupt in Tunis, fueled by discontent over the suppression of democratic freedoms, human rights organizations are also under strain. Despite the oppressive environment, activists remain steadfast in their mission to support marginalized groups, including migrants who face dire conditions in Tunisia. The road ahead for Tunisia is fraught with challenges, as the nation grapples with the delicate balance between maintaining international partnerships and nurturing its fragile democracy.

Read 3 more recent news on this topic

The press radar on this topic:

zdf
5. Oktober 2024 um 16:56

Before the Tunisian Election: "Repression Has Clearly Increased"

Politics
Environment
Incumbent Kais Saied is going into the election without serious competition and is fueling conspiracy theories to maintain his power. Repression has clearly increased. At the European level, in addition to the migration pact with Tunisia, the energy issue, especially green hydrogen, and the EU's goal of climate neutrality are important, which pushes criticism of the state apparatus and unfree elections into the background.
New York Times - Middle East
6. Oktober 2024 um 10:08

Tunisia’s Autocratic Leader Is Poised to Steamroll to Election Victory

Politics
Tunisia's president Kais Saied appears poised to win the upcoming election, despite a lack of policy proposals or candidate debates. His leading challenger is imprisoned on falsified charges, and several other would-be candidates are jailed or disqualified, reflecting Saied's tightening grip on power a decade after the 2011 revolution toppled former dictator Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali and sparked the Arab Spring revolts. The civic watchdog I Watch, formed by young Tunisians after the 2011 revolut..
The Guardian
6. Oktober 2024 um 22:48

Democracy campaigners criticise President Saied as voting begins in Tunisia

Politics
Economy
Tunisian election marred by President Kais Saied's moves to consolidate power, including electoral commission disqualifications, stripping administrative court's authority, and dismissing judges.
zeit
6. Oktober 2024 um 13:23

Presidential Election in Tunisia: Re-election of Tunisian President Saied Seen as Certain

Politics
Tunisian President Kais Saied, who is considered the winner of the controversial election, is increasingly ruling in an authoritarian manner. The election was rated as unfair by the opposition, human rights activists and observers. Saied only ran against two candidates, one of whom is imprisoned. Critics fear a return to the times of long-time ruler Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali. High unemployment and corruption have shaken the trust of the population. The military has gained more power, and Saied has..
CW

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