Kais Saied Secures Second Term Amidst Low Voter Turnout and Political Discontent in Tunisia

Tuesday 08 October 2024 - 10:00

In a significant electoral outcome, Kais Saied has been re-elected as president of Tunisia, garnering 90.69% of the votes cast, according to the electoral authority ISIE. However, this victory is overshadowed by a historically low voter turnout of just 28.8%, indicating widespread dissatisfaction among the populace. This election, held on Sunday, reflects a troubling trend for the nation that was once celebrated as the birthplace of the Arab Spring.

Saied, 66, received approximately 2.4 million votes in a contest where his main rival, Ayachi Zammel, who is currently imprisoned, managed only 7.3%. The third candidate, Zouhair Maghzaoui, received a mere 1.9%. The low turnout is particularly concerning as it highlights disillusionment among younger voters; only 6% of participants were aged 18-35, despite this age group making up a third of the eligible electorate.

Since Saied's election in 2019 with a robust 73% of the vote, Tunisia has experienced significant political upheaval. In 2021, he dissolved parliament and subsequently rewrote the constitution, actions that have raised alarms about democratic backsliding. The recent election's turnout marked the lowest since the ousting of long-time dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in 2011—down from a turnout of 58% in Saied's previous election.

The European Union has expressed concern regarding the integrity of the electoral process and noted criticisms from human rights organizations about measures that undermine democratic credibility. Following the announcement of exit polls predicting his victory, Saied's supporters took to the streets in celebration, despite concerns over the legitimacy of his administration.

Critics argue that Saied's re-election could further entrench his power amid rising authoritarianism. Rights groups have reported that over 170 individuals are currently detained for political reasons or for exercising their fundamental rights. Among those imprisoned are prominent opposition figures like Rached Ghannouchi and Abir Moussi.

Saied has framed his presidency as a necessary response to "foreign conspiracies" that he claims threaten Tunisia's stability. He has called on citizens to "vote massively" to initiate what he describes as an era of reconstruction. However, analysts note that while he retains support among certain demographics, particularly within working-class circles, he has yet to address Tunisia's deepening economic crisis effectively.

As Tunisia navigates this complex political landscape post-election, observers will be closely monitoring how Saied's administration evolves and whether it can reconcile its governance with the aspirations for democracy and reform that ignited the Arab Spring over a decade ago.