Tunisia’s Sham Election: A Blow to Democracy and Human Rights
In a move that has sent shockwaves across the globe, Tunisia’s President Kais Saied has emerged victorious in the country’s recent presidential election, securing over 90% of the vote. However, the election has been widely criticized for its lack of legitimacy, with many opposition candidates barred from running and a turnout of less than 29%.
Saied’s win is seen as a further consolidation of his autocratic power, which has been steadily growing since his rise to power in 2019. The president has dismantled democratic checks and balances, expanded his power, and cracked down on dissenting voices.
The election was marked by a series of irregularities, including the disqualification of opposition candidates, the denial of accreditation to civil society organizations, and the intimidation of voters. The Saied-controlled electoral authority also reported social media pages for potential prosecution and issued warnings to several radio stations.
The international community has been criticized for its response to the election, with the European Union (EU) providing financial support to Saied’s government in exchange for promises of tighter controls on migration. However, it has now emerged that Tunisian security forces are using these funds to commit widespread human rights abuses.
As Saied begins his second term, the international community must demand more from his government. The EU and other states with warm relations with Tunisia should urge respect for fundamental human rights and civic freedoms and call for the restoration of checks and balances to limit Saied’s autocratic power.
Key Findings:
- President Kais Saied has won the presidential election with over 90% of the vote, but the election has been widely criticized for its lack of legitimacy.
- The turnout was less than 29%, with many opposition candidates barred from running.
- Saied has dismantled democratic checks and balances and expanded his power since his rise to power in 2019.
- The election was marked by irregularities, including the disqualification of opposition candidates and the intimidation of voters.
- The international community has been criticized for its response to the election, with the EU providing financial support to Saied’s government.
Recommendations:
- The international community should demand more from Saied’s government, including respect for fundamental human rights and civic freedoms.
- The EU and other states with warm relations with Tunisia should call for the restoration of checks and balances to limit Saied’s autocratic power.
- The international community should also provide support to civil society organizations and opposition groups in Tunisia, who are fighting for democracy and human rights.
Conclusion:
Tunisia’s presidential election has been a blow to democracy and human rights in the country. The international community must take a stronger stance against Saied’s autocratic government and demand respect for fundamental human rights and civic freedoms. The EU and other states with warm relations with Tunisia should also call for the restoration of checks and balances to limit Saied’s power.
