Tunisians to Protest Election Irregularities Amid Growing Authoritarianism Concerns

In Tunisia, citizens are preparing to voice their concerns about the upcoming presidential election scheduled for October 6, 2024. The demonstration, organized by the recently established "Tunisian Network for the Defense of Rights and Freedoms," aims to highlight what participants perceive as a rise in authoritarian practices and violations of electoral rights.

Mohieddine Lagha, Secretary-General of the Tunisian League for Human Rights, explained the motivation behind the protest: "This demonstration is a response to the infringement of rights and freedoms we're observing in Tunisia today, as well as the disenfranchisement of certain citizens from participating in the presidential election."

The controversy centers around the Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE), which has been embroiled in disputes with the judiciary over candidate eligibility. Critics accuse the commission of lacking autonomy and acting in favor of President Kais Saied, who appoints its members. The ISIE has rejected several organizations' applications to observe the election and has refused to include three candidates on the ballot despite court rulings in their favor.

One notable case is that of Abdellatif Mekki, a former health minister and ex-member of the Islamist Ennahda movement. Mekki, now running with his own party, Work and Accomplishment, was arrested in July 2024 on charges his legal team claims were politically motivated. He was subsequently banned from politics for life. Despite two court orders to reinstate his candidacy, the ISIE has not complied with these rulings.

Ahmed Neffati, Mekki's campaign manager, expressed hope for a significant turnout at the protest: "We're aiming for widespread participation to exert pressure and mobilize the population. Tunisians will not relinquish their right to a free and democratic election."

The political landscape in Tunisia has become increasingly turbulent in recent months. In August 2024, President Saied dismissed the majority of his cabinet, a move that critics viewed as a consolidation of power. This action, coupled with a series of arrests and gag orders on prominent opposition figures, has raised concerns about the state of democracy in the country.

International organizations have also voiced their apprehensions. The International Crisis Group recently described Tunisia's situation as "deteriorating," while Human Rights Watch urged the election commission to reinstate the disqualified candidates. Bassam Khawaja, deputy Middle East and North Africa director for Human Rights Watch, stated, "Conducting elections in such a repressive environment undermines Tunisians' right to participate in free and fair elections."

Tunisia, the northernmost country in Africa with a population of approximately 12 million, has been navigating a complex political landscape since gaining independence from France in 1956. The country played a pivotal role in sparking the Arab Spring in 2011, and held its first democratic presidential election in 2014. Despite these milestones, the current situation reflects ongoing challenges in consolidating democratic institutions.

As the birthplace of ancient Carthage and a country with a rich history, Tunisia continues to grapple with balancing its democratic aspirations and the complexities of modern governance. With a diverse economy encompassing agriculture, mining, and tourism, and a high literacy rate of over 80%, the nation faces critical decisions about its political future.

"We call on all Tunisians who value democracy and the rule of law to join us in this peaceful protest. Our aim is to safeguard the democratic gains we've made and ensure that our electoral process remains free, fair, and inclusive."

As the protest date approaches, all eyes are on Tunisia, watching how this latest chapter in its democratic journey will unfold.