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Tunisia's Elections: A Foregone Conclusion
2024-10-06 05:40:08
Politics
Democracy
Human rights

Tunisia's Elections: A Foregone Conclusion

Image courtesy of : AFP (FETHI BELAID)

The upcoming Tunisian presidential election appears virtually decided, with incumbent Kais Saied poised for victory amidst a landscape of repression. Significant opposition figures remain imprisoned or disqualified, leaving Saied without credible challengers.

His administration has intensified control since the 2011 revolution, stifling dissent and fueling conspiracy theories to consolidate power. Despite the EU's focus on climate initiatives and migration partnerships with Tunisia, concerns over democratic integrity have been sidelined.

As global dynamics shift, particularly following conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, Saied's anticipated re-election raises questions about the future of Tunisia's governance and its implications for international relations.

Related news on that topic:

Protests Erupt as Tunisia Faces a Political Crossroad

Tunisia is witnessing significant unrest as citizens protest against the repressive regime of President Kais Saied. With presidential elections looming, demonstrators are calling for the overthrow of a government they believe has betrayed the ideals of the Arab Spring. The election, set for Sunday, will be the first since Saied's controversial power consolidation in 2021, raising concerns about fairness and freedom. Observers question the legitimacy of the process, as only two candidates are in the race, one currently imprisoned, and many opposition figures have been barred from participating. Human rights activists have mobilized thousands of predominantly young demonstrators, echoing fears of democratic backsliding. Saied's administration has faced criticism for its authoritarian measures, including media suppression, arbitrary arrests, and the dismantling of judicial independence. Despite these challenges, Saied is anticipated to secure re-election, a prospect many view as predetermined due to the absence of credible opposition. The backdrop of these elections is a struggling economy, with high unemployment and disillusionment among the populace. Saied has blamed civil society and political opponents for these woes, further alienating himself from the very citizens he governs. As Tunisia approaches this pivotal moment, the hopes of a nation that once celebrated a democratic transition hang in the balance, as citizens grapple with the reality of a regime that increasingly resembles the autocracy they sought to escape.

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 1 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..
stern
6. Oktober 2024 um 02:05

Presidential Election in Tunisia: Victory of Incumbent Saied Considered Certain

Politics
The presidential election in Tunisia is taking place on Sunday. Almost ten million people are called upon to cast their votes - a victory of the incumbent Kais Saied, who is running again, is considered certain. Since the most important opposition candidates are in prison or have been denied candidacy by the election authority, there are no serious competitors for the 66-year-old Saied. There are only two opposing candidates, one of whom is in prison.
zeit
6. Oktober 2024 um 03:55

International Order: The World is Restructuring

Politics
The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and Israel's conflicts in the Middle East have created a new global disorder. New partnerships are emerging, such as those between Russia, China, and Iran, while the West, led by the USA, is losing influence. The Global South is also gaining new positions. Today, a controversial presidential election is taking place in Tunisia, where the incumbent Kais Saied, who has transformed the country into an autocracy, is expected to be re-elected. Saied was..
CW

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