As Tunisia prepares for its presidential election on Sunday, many citizens in impoverished areas like Fernana express little hope for change. Chedliya Mzrighi, a 47-year-old farmer, earns only 10 dinars ($3) a day and struggles to support her three children amid inadequate living conditions, including no running water or electricity.
Under President Kais Saied’s leadership, economic growth has stagnated, with a mere 0.4% increase in GDP last year, contributing to widespread hardship. Mzrighi’s home, built by her husband who has sought work elsewhere, lacks basic amenities, forcing her children to study without electricity or proper resources.
Sihem Ghouibi, a 55-year-old widow, shares similar sentiments of abandonment, noting that none of her children pursued further education. Fernana, one of Tunisia’s poorest regions, faces high poverty rates and has suffered from consecutive years of drought, further diminishing agricultural output.
Despite the challenges, local residents plan to vote out of a sense of duty, hoping for improvement. However, economists warn that political instability, coupled with high national debt and inflation at 7.0%, has deterred investment and eroded purchasing power.
Community leaders and young activists express hope for change, citing the potential of local resources and initiatives aimed at improving conditions, yet acknowledge the need for clearer public policies and government support to effect meaningful change.
