In a controversial move, a Tunisian court has sentenced four potential presidential candidates to eight months in prison and barred them from running for office on charges of vote-buying, according to Reuters.
Critics argue that this decision is aimed at eliminating serious competitors to President Kais Saied.
The ruling has sparked concerns among opposition parties, candidates, and human rights groups, who claim that authorities are imposing arbitrary restrictions to secure Saied’s reelection in the upcoming October 6 vote.
The prominent figures affected by this ruling include politician Abdel Latif Mekki, activist Nizar Chaari, Judge Mourad Massoudi, and Adel Dou. These names were disclosed by lawyer Mokthar Jmai.
Despite the court’s decision, Mekki’s campaign manager, Ahmed Nafatti, has stated that they will still submit candidacy papers.
Nafatti described the ruling as “unfair and unjust,” asserting that it aims to exclude a strong competitor from the race.
In a related development, a separate court sentenced Abir Moussi, another opponent of Saied, to two years in prison for insulting the election commission.
President Saied has dismissed allegations of imposing restrictions on his rivals, calling such claims “nonsense and lies.”
This series of court rulings has intensified the political climate in Tunisia, with many fearing that the judicial system is being used to manipulate the electoral process and ensure Saied’s continued hold on power.
