Voter apathy characterized Tunisia’s presidential election on Sunday, with less than 30% of the electorate participating.
This was the country’s third presidential ballot since the Arab Spring, which toppled a dictator over a decade ago.
Though official results are expected Monday, early exit polls suggest President Kais Saied has secured a landslide victory.
Public television figures showed Saied leading with over 89% of the vote against his two lesser-known opponents.
Saied’s brother, Naoufel, claimed the exit poll results demonstrated “the high degree of confidence Tunisians have in Kais Saied” and guaranteed the country’s stability.
Supporters of Saied gathered in the capital, Tunis, celebrating and waving his portrait.
Despite the celebrations, turnout was significantly lower than in previous elections, with just 2.7 million voters, or 27.7% of the electorate, casting ballots.
In contrast, the first round of the 2019 election saw a 49% turnout.
The opposition boycotted the election, citing Saied’s increasing authoritarianism.
The president, a 66-year-old former law professor, has faced criticism for imprisoning opponents and consolidating power through constitutional changes.
While his backers remain supportive, Tunisia’s political future remains uncertain.
