Tunisian President Kais Saied is poised for reelection on October 6, facing minimal opposition in a contentious political landscape.
Major opponents are either imprisoned or barred from the ballot, raising concerns about the electoral process’s fairness.
This election marks the third since the 2011 Arab Spring, which saw the ousting of long-time leader Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.
International observers previously praised Tunisia’s electoral integrity, but recent actions by an election authority appointed by Saied have prompted skepticism.
Saied’s first term began in 2019, winning support by promising a “New Tunisia” focused on empowering youth and local governments.
However, following a power consolidation in July 2021, many political figures were arrested, with critics alleging a coup.
Despite Saied’s significant support base, it remains unclear how deeply rooted his popularity is among the broader population.
With many prominent political figures jailed, opposition groups, including the National Salvation Front, have called for a boycott of the elections.
The economic situation remains dire, with unemployment soaring and a reliance on international aid.
As Tunisia approaches this critical election, questions about democracy and governance continue to loom large over the nation’s future.