Tunisia’s political landscape faces a potential boycott as the main opposition coalition, the National Salvation Front (NSF), announced it will not participate in the upcoming presidential election unless President Kais Saied meets specific demands.
The NSF, which includes influential groups like the Islamist movement Ennahdha, is concerned about the fairness of the election under Saied’s rule.
They have laid out a list of conditions for fielding a candidate, including the release of imprisoned political opponents and the restoration of judicial independence.
Saied’s consolidation of power in 2021, which involved suspending parliament and rewriting the constitution, has raised concerns about democratic backsliding. Over 20 political figures have been arrested or charged since then, including Ennahdha leader Rached Ghannouchi. Ghannouchi, sentenced to prison on disputed terrorism charges, is seen by his supporters as a victim of political targeting.
The NSF further demands the reopening of Ennahdha’s headquarters and guarantees of a neutral electoral commission. Saied’s revised constitution grants him significant control over both the judiciary and the electoral body, raising questions about potential manipulation.
This potential boycott casts a shadow over Tunisia’s once promising democracy. Built in the wake of the Arab Spring, Tunisia was considered a model for the region. However, ongoing economic woes and the recent erosion of democratic institutions threaten these gains.
With Saied potentially running unopposed in the September or October election, the international community will be watching closely to see if Tunisia can uphold its democratic principles and ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.
