Tunisian President Kais Saied, who assumed extensive powers two years post his 2019 election, declared on Friday his intention to run for a new five-year term in the October election.
In a video announcement, Saied, ruling by decree since July 2021, expressed his commitment to “national liberation,” stating he had no choice but to seek a second term.
The announcement was made from the southern region of Tatouine.
Many of Saied’s potential challengers are either imprisoned or facing legal issues.
Lotfi Mraihi of the Republican People’s Union received an eight-month prison sentence and a lifetime ban from office on suspicion of corruption.
Abir Moussi, a prominent critic and head of the Free Destourian Party, has been jailed since last October.
Her party is known for its nostalgia for past autocratic regimes.
Amnesty International criticized the increased crackdown on opposition leaders and called for respect for human rights.
The watchdog I Watch also condemned the lack of transparency in the election process.
