Kais Saied Secures Second Term in Tunisia Amid Opposition Crackdown and Low Voter Turnout

Tunisia's President Kais Saied secured a decisive re-election victory, as announced on Monday. The campaign period was marked by the imprisonment of his opponents, journalists, activists, and lawyers. The Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE) reported that Saied received 90.7% of the votes in Sunday's election. This result reflects the participation of his supporters, while many of his critics chose to abstain from voting.

Businessman Ayachi Zammel, who was Saied's closest competitor, garnered 7.4% of the vote. Zammel spent most of the campaign season in jail due to multiple election-related charges. Voter turnout was reported at 28.8%, significantly lower than in previous elections. This election marks Tunisia's third presidential race since the 2011 Arab Spring, which led to the ousting of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

Tunisia's Political Landscape and Repression

Following the Arab Spring, Tunisia adopted a new constitution and established a multiparty democracy. However, President Saied began dismantling these institutions two years into his presidency. In July 2021, he declared a state of emergency, suspended parliament, and rewrote the constitution to increase presidential power.

During his first term, authorities intensified repression against civil society. In 2023, prominent opponents from various political backgrounds were imprisoned. Among them were right-wing leader Abir Moussi and Islamist Rached Ghannouchi, co-founder of Ennahda and former speaker of parliament.

Election Commission's Role and Controversies

The election commission's role came under scrutiny during the campaign. All its members are appointed by the president. They ignored court orders to reinstate three candidates they had previously disqualified. Parliament later passed a law reducing the administrative courts' power.

Dozens expressed interest in challenging Saied, with 17 submitting paperwork to run in Sunday's election. However, only three candidates were approved by the commission. After the final candidate list was published, Zammel was jailed promptly.

Authorities have also targeted lawyers, journalists, migration activists, and the former head of the post-Arab Spring Truth and Dignity Commission this year. Many were charged with inciting disorder, undermining state security, or violating an anti-fake news law criticized for suppressing dissent.

This election highlights Tunisia's ongoing political challenges and repression under President Saied's leadership. The low voter turnout and imprisonment of opposition figures underscore concerns about democratic backsliding in the country.