Tunisian President Kais Saied has announced his candidacy for a new five-year term in the upcoming election set for October 6. However, the opposition and critics are raising concerns about the credibility of the election, stating that fair and credible polls cannot be held unless imprisoned politicians are released and the media is allowed to operate freely without government pressure.
Saied, who has been ruling by decree since suspending parliament in July 2021, made the announcement from the southern region of Tataouine, stating that he is answering the “country’s sacred call” to run for a second term. Several potential challengers have already announced their candidacy but are either in prison or facing prosecution on various charges such as vote buying, money laundering, fraud, and harming public security.
The crackdown on political opposition in Tunisia has intensified in recent months, with prominent opposition leaders like Abir Moussi and Rached Ghannouchi being imprisoned on various charges. The main opposition National Salvation Front leader Issam Chebbi dropped out of the race after being arrested for allegedly plotting against the state.
Amnesty International has also noted that Tunisian authorities have increased their crackdown on the political opposition. Saied, a former constitutional law professor elected in 2019 promising to combat corruption, is facing backlash from critics who argue that a fair election cannot take place under the current circumstances. The upcoming election in October is expected to be closely watched as the situation continues to unfold in Tunisia.
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