Hundreds of Tunisians gathered on Sunday to protest against President Kais Saied, voicing accusations of increasing authoritarianism and hindering political competition in the lead-up to the presidential election scheduled for October 6.
The protesters marched along the main avenue in Tunis, a historically significant location tied to the 2011 “Arab Spring” uprising, marking their second consecutive week of demonstrations. The crowds chanted slogans demanding regime change and calling for Saied’s removal from power, reflecting widespread discontent with his leadership.
The protests were ignited by the recent proposal of a bill aimed at limiting the administrative court’s authority to adjudicate electoral disputes. The opposition has expressed strong concerns that this legislative move could undermine the credibility and fairness of the upcoming election, effectively paving the way for Saied to secure a second term without genuine competition.
Nabil Hajji, the leader of the opposition Attayar party, articulated the sentiment of many protesters, stating that Saied’s actions indicate a significant decline in his popularity and a deep-seated fear of losing the upcoming election. “Tunisians are left with no choice but to take to the streets to defend our democracy,” he declared, underscoring the urgency felt by many citizens regarding the state of political freedoms in the country.
Political tensions have significantly escalated in Tunisia, particularly after an electoral commission appointed by Saied disqualified three prominent candidates from the presidential race: Mondher Znaidi, Abdellatif Mekki, and Imed Daimi. This commission’s decision to overrule the administrative court, which is the highest authority for resolving electoral disputes, has allowed only two candidates to contest against Saied, raising questions about the fairness of the electoral process.
Among the disqualified candidates, Ayachi Zammel is currently serving a 20-month prison sentence after being convicted of falsifying election documents, a charge he insists is politically motivated. His incarceration has further fueled allegations that Saied is using the judicial system to suppress dissent and eliminate viable opponents from the electoral landscape.
Critics of Saied argue that he is systematically manipulating the electoral commission and judiciary to secure his victory by stifling competition and intimidating potential candidates. Despite these claims, Saied has firmly denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he is engaged in a necessary struggle against corruption and betrayal within the political system.
Since his election in 2019, Saied has increasingly consolidated power, transitioning to ruling by decree in 2021. This shift in governance has raised alarm among opposition groups, who characterize his actions as a coup against the democratic institutions that were established in the wake of the 2011 revolution.