Hundreds of Tunisians rallied in the capital on Friday, intensifying protests against President Kais Saied just two days before a presidential election widely seen as manipulated. Protesters accused Saied of eliminating key opponents to secure a victory and tighten his grip on power.
Demonstrators carried signs with slogans like “Farce elections” and “Freedoms, not a lifelong presidency,” marching down Habib Bourguiba Avenue, a significant landmark from the 2011 revolution that ended the reign of former President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.
Tensions in Tunisia have been mounting after Saied’s electoral commission disqualified three major candidates, prompting accusations of unfair tactics. Further fueling public anger, the parliament stripped an independent court of its authority to rule on election disputes, leaving many feeling their democratic rights were being undermined.
The situation worsened when presidential candidate Ayachi Zammel received a 14-year prison sentence on charges of forging electoral documents. Zammel, detained for a month, has become a symbol of what many see as political persecution under Saied’s rule.
Now, with only two opponents left—Zammel and Zouhair Maghzaoui, a former ally turned critic—protesters are calling for change. Chants of “The people want the regime to fall” and “Dictator Saied … your time is up” echoed through the streets.
“Tunisians aren’t used to elections like this,” opposition leader Zied Ghanney said. “In past elections, people had the freedom to choose their future. This time, they’ve been denied that right.”