President Kais Saied’s Controversial Tenure

President Saied, who announced his bid for a second five-year term on July 19th, has been a polarizing figure since his initial election in 2019. In a move that has been widely criticized as a coup by his opponents, Saied dissolved the Tunisian parliament in 2021 and has since ruled by decree. His stance of not handing over power to what he describes as “non-patriots” has further fueled the ongoing political crisis.

Opposition’s Allegations of Bias

As the August 6th deadline for registering as a presidential candidate approaches, 11 opposition figures have voiced their concerns about the electoral process. In a joint statement, they condemned the authorities for implementing measures that seem designed to exclude them from the election. “The violations have affected most of the serious candidates to the point that they appear to indicate a desire to exclude them and restrict them in order to make way for a specific candidate,” they declared.

A new requirement for candidates to obtain a document certifying they have no criminal record has added to their grievances. None of the 11 opposition candidates have managed to secure this document yet, which is essential for their registration. The Election Commission has stated that the interior ministry will contact the candidates to provide the necessary document but has not specified a timeline, leading to further suspicion and frustration among the opposition.

Intimidation and Arrests

The climate of intimidation has been underscored by recent incidents involving opposition candidates and their supporters. Nizar Chaari, one of the presidential hopefuls, reported that his campaign manager and a volunteer were arrested, and police confiscated the signatures endorsing his candidacy. The Public Prosecutor’s office accused the two of seizing a database and forging endorsements, charges that Chaari’s campaign vehemently denies.

Adding to the turmoil, Lotfi Mraihi, another opposition leader and candidate, was sentenced to eight months in prison earlier this month on charges of vote buying. He also received a lifetime ban from running in presidential elections, a move seen by many as a direct attempt to silence one of Saied’s most vocal critics.

Abd Ellatif Mekki, another candidate, has been barred from appearing in the media or traveling within the country, further highlighting the restrictive measures being imposed on opposition figures.

Criticism from NGOs and Political Parties

A coalition of 17 non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including the Human Rights League, along with six opposition parties, have issued statements condemning the government’s control over public media, the judiciary, and the Election Commission. They argue that these institutions are being used to create a climate of intimidation against opponents and journalists, thereby undermining the integrity of the electoral process.

“A climate of intimidation of opponents and journalists through the use of the judiciary and the Election Commission to serve the interests of the authorities and the lack of equal opportunities does not provide guarantees for free and fair elections,” the NGOs and opposition parties asserted.

Calls for Neutrality and Fairness

The head of the Freedoms Committee in Parliament, Hela Ben Jaballah, has called for the lifting of restrictions on candidates and urged the Election Commission to maintain neutrality. The Commission, however, maintains that it is performing its duties impartially.

As Tunisia approaches the October elections, the allegations of restrictions and intimidation cast a long shadow over the democratic process. The international community and local observers will be closely watching the developments, hoping for a resolution that upholds democratic principles and ensures a fair and free election.

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