TUNIS, Oct 6 - Tunisia's polling stations opened for the presidential election on Sunday, with President Kais Saied facing two challengers in a politically charged atmosphere marked by significant economic challenges and a reduction in democratic rights.
Once heralded as a beacon of democracy following the Arab Spring, Tunisia has seen a regression under Saied, who has concentrated power since his election in 2019. He dissolved the parliament and rewrote the constitution, reverting to authoritarian practices.
Saied's main opponents include Zouhair Maghzaoui, a former ally who has become a critic, and Ayachi Zammel, who gained notoriety while imprisoned for alleged electoral fraud. The electoral commission, appointed by Saied, has barred many opposition figures from participating, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the election.
Despite the election, Saied faces a dire economic situation characterized by shortages of essential goods, high inflation, and unemployment. His reluctance to implement unpopular austerity measures has hindered negotiations for an International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan, while the country relies on recovering tourism and European Union support to manage its economic crisis.
The outcome of this election could have significant implications for Tunisia's political landscape and its democratic future.
Source: Reuters, October 6, 2024.