Tunisia's Presidential Election: Controversy Surrounds Candidate Disqualifications and Arrests
Tunisia's 2024 presidential election faces controversy as candidate Ayachi Zammel is sentenced to 20 months in prison for falsifying signatures. With only two candidates remaining, incumbent Kais Saied and Zouhair Maghzaoui, concerns rise over the election's integrity. The article explores recent disqualifications, arrests, and new electoral rules, highlighting their impact on Tunisia's democratic process. Tunisia's 2024 presidential race narrows to two candidates after Ayachi Zammel's arrest. Explore the controversy surrounding disqualifications, new electoral rules, and concerns over democratic integrity in Tunisia's upcoming election on October 6, 2024.
HASSAN BENYOUB 
As Tunisia prepares for its presidential election on October 6, 2024, the political landscape has been marred by controversy, with allegations of voter suppression and politically motivated arrests. The Independent Electoral Commission for Elections (ISIE) has confirmed only three candidates, including incumbent President Kais Saied, in a move that has raised concerns about the fairness and legitimacy of the upcoming election.
Confirmed Candidates
The ISIE has approved the following candidates:
- Kais Saied (Incumbent President)
- Zouhair Maghzaoui (People's Movement)
- Ayachi Zammel (Azimoun Party)
Key Developments
Disqualifications and Legal Challenges
- 14 prospective candidates were initially disqualified by the ISIE.
- Three rejected candidates won appeals in the administrative court:
- Abdellatif Mekki (former health minister)
- Mondher Zenaïdi (former minister under Ben Ali)
- Imed Daïmi (former MP)
- The ISIE has refused to enforce these court rulings, claiming the candidate list is "final and not subject to appeal."
Controversial New Electoral Rules
On July 4, 2024, the Electoral Committee issued Ordinance 544, introducing new conditions for presidential candidates:
- Raised the minimum age from 35 to 40 years old
- Added additional requirements beyond existing electoral law
These changes have been contested by multiple political parties, including the Third Republic Party and Attayar Party, who have filed lawsuits for the annulment of Ordinance 544.
Arrests and Convictions
Several potential candidates and campaign workers have faced legal troubles:
| Candidate/Individual | Action Taken | Charges |
|---|---|---|
| Lotfi Mraïhi | Barred from elections for life, 8 months imprisonment | Vote-buying in 2019 election |
| Abir Moussi | 2-year sentence | Spreading false news |
| Nizar Chaari | 8-month prison term | Forging signatures |
| Karim Gharbi (K2Rhym) | 4 years in prison, lifetime ban | Buying endorsement signatures |
| Safi Said | Pre-trial detention | N/A |
| Ayachi Zammel | 20 months imprisonment | Falsifying endorsements |
International Reactions
Human Rights Watch has expressed concern over the electoral process, stating that "Tunisian authorities have removed almost all serious contenders from the presidential race, reducing this vote to a mere formality." The organization has called on the government to end political interference in the electoral process and allow opposition candidates to participate.
Background and Context
The upcoming election takes place against a backdrop of political turmoil that began on July 25, 2021, when President Saied suspended parliament and dismissed the prime minister. Since then, he has taken steps to consolidate power, including:
- Restructuring the ISIE in April 2022, placing it under presidential control
- Compromising judicial independence
- Increasing repression of dissent and free speech
Implications for Democracy
The current situation raises several concerns for Tunisia's democratic process:
- Limited voter choice with only three approved candidates
- Questions about the independence of the electoral commission
- Potential erosion of public trust in the electoral system
- Concerns about the fairness and legitimacy of the election outcome
Looking Ahead
As the October 6 election approaches, several key factors will shape the political landscape:
- Potential international pressure to ensure a free and fair election
- The response of disqualified candidates and their supporters
- Voter turnout and public perception of the electoral process
- The role of media and civil society in monitoring and reporting on the election
The international community and Tunisian civil society organizations are closely watching the developments, with many calling for urgent measures to rectify the electoral process and ensure it meets international standards for free and fair elections.
Conclusion
Tunisia's 2024 presidential election stands at a critical juncture for the country's democratic future. The disqualification of numerous candidates, coupled with arrests and new restrictive electoral rules, has cast a shadow over the process. As the election date nears, the actions of the ISIE, the government, and international observers will be crucial in determining whether Tunisia can maintain its hard-won democratic gains or risk sliding back towards authoritarianism.The coming weeks will be pivotal for Tunisia's political landscape, with the potential to shape the country's democratic trajectory for years to come. Stakeholders at all levels must work to ensure that the voice of the Tunisian people is heard through a transparent, inclusive, and legitimate electoral process.
