Thousands protest President Saied ahead of election in Tunisia

The north African country is often referred to as the 'Cradle of the Arab Spring' from 2010.

Thousands of Tunisians marched in the streets to protest against President Kais Saied, accusing him of manipulating the upcoming October 6 presidential election by detaining and intimidating political rivals.

This protest on Friday, one of the largest in Tunisia in two years, comes as Saied’s opponents claim that his actions since assuming power in 2021 represent an authoritarian takeover.

Protesters chanted slogans such as "Out with dictator Saied" and "No fear, no terror, streets belong to the people," as they rallied against what they see as Saied’s efforts to undermine the democratic process.

Demonstrators also called for the release of political prisoners, activists, and journalists who have been detained for criticizing the president.

The controversy surrounding the election intensified when the electoral commission disqualified three prominent candidates in August, citing alleged irregularities in their candidacy filings.

Although the court responsible for election disputes ordered their reinstatement on September 2, the commission refused to comply with the ruling.

Many critics argue that the commission, whose members were appointed by Saied, is being used to suppress competition and guarantee his re-election.

Bassam Trifi, head of the Human Rights League, expressed concern over the fairness of the election, stating, "The electoral commission should respect the court ruling and end restrictions against candidates.

Otherwise, it means an undemocratic election." Trifi added that freedoms and rights in Tunisia are at "real risk" under Saied’s rule.

Currently, only three candidates remain in the race: President Saied, Zouhair Maghzaoui, and Ayachi Zammel. Zammel, however, was jailed 10 days ago on charges of falsifying voter signatures, accusations he claims are politically motivated.

Zammel faces 25 court cases related to these allegations, and legal experts warn he may be forced out of the election.

Opposition parties have voiced strong objections to Saied’s continued crackdown on political dissent.

In July, Abdellatif Mekki, a former health minister and member of the Islamist Ennahda movement, was arrested on political charges and banned from running for office.

Mekki, who is now campaigning under his own party, Work and Achievement, has faced multiple legal challenges regarding his candidacy.

While a court ordered his reinstatement on the ballot in August, the electoral commission initially ignored the ruling and has not commented on the latest decision to include him.

Ahmed Neffati, Mekki’s campaign manager, emphasized the importance of mass mobilization, stating, "Tunisians will not give up their right to free and democratic elections."

Since Saied’s 2021 decision to rule by decree, critics have argued that his actions erode the democratic progress achieved during Tunisia's 2011 revolution.

Many opposition leaders, who have been imprisoned under Saied’s government, accuse him of using authoritarian tactics to consolidate power.

In recent months, Saied has also faced criticism for his dismissal of key cabinet members and his harsh treatment of opposition figures, which many view as politically motivated.

International observers, including the International Crisis Group and Human Rights Watch, have expressed concern over Tunisia’s political climate.

Human Rights Watch recently criticized the electoral process, calling the repression of opposition candidates a violation of Tunisians' rights to free and fair elections.

Bassam Khawaja, the organization’s deputy director for the Middle East and North Africa, warned, “Holding elections amid such repression makes a mockery of the right of Tunisians to participate in free and fair elections.”

Despite the heavy opposition, President Saied denies any wrongdoing, claiming that his actions are necessary to combat corruption and protect the country from traitors.

However, the growing protests signal that many Tunisians are deeply dissatisfied with his leadership and fear the future of their democracy.