Tunisia Court Reinstates Former Minister Znaidi in Presidential Race

Thursday 29 August 2024 - 17:00

A Tunisian court has overturned a decision by the Independent Higher Election Authority (ISIE), allowing former minister Mondher Znaidi to participate in the upcoming presidential election on October 6. This ruling could significantly alter the dynamics of the race, posing a tougher challenge for incumbent President Kais Saied.

The Tunisian Administrative Court announced on Thursday that it had accepted Znaidi’s appeal, reversing the ISIE’s previous decision to bar him from the election due to insufficient ballot signatures. This development adds Znaidi to a growing list of legally accepted opposition candidates, which includes Abdelattif Mekki, Ayachi Zammel, and Zouhair Maghzaoui. The court had also reinstated Mekki’s candidacy on Tuesday, after it was initially rejected by the ISIE.

The ISIE, which had disqualified 14 individuals from the presidential race, is expected to release the final list of candidates next week. The court’s decision to allow Znaidi to run could reinvigorate the election campaign, intensifying the competition for President Saied, who was democratically elected in 2019 but has since consolidated power through a sweeping reform in 2021. Saied is now seeking a second term amidst a backdrop of political opponents and critics being jailed or prosecuted.

Znaidi, who has held various government positions including minister of public health, transport, and commerce, as well as secretary of state for trade and industry, served under former President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Ben Ali was ousted during the 2011 uprisings. Znaidi positions his extensive experience as a valuable asset for Tunisia, which is currently grappling with significant debt. He is reportedly counting on voters disillusioned with Saied’s five-year rule to garner support.

Experts view Znaidi as a formidable contender, capable of attracting votes from major opposition parties, including Ennahdha. Ennahdha was the largest party in Tunisia’s parliament before Saied dissolved the chamber in July 2021.

Saied declared last year that he “would not hand over the country to nonpatriots.” Tunisian opposition parties, politicians, and human rights groups have accused the president of employing “arbitrary restrictions” and intimidation tactics to secure his re-election. They allege that the electoral commission is biased and aims to eliminate serious competitors to ensure the incumbent’s victory. The commission has refuted these accusations.

Last week, Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported that Tunisian authorities have prosecuted, convicted, or imprisoned at least eight prospective candidates for the October election. HRW noted that the North African country, under Saied’s leadership, is preparing for a presidential election amidst increased repression of dissent and free speech, without crucial checks and balances on the president’s power.

On Thursday, the Administrative Court also rejected an appeal by Abir Moussi, a jailed would-be candidate and staunch critic of Saied.

This decision by the Tunisian court to reinstate Znaidi underscores the ongoing political tensions and the complex landscape of the upcoming presidential election. As the race intensifies, the outcome will have significant implications for Tunisia’s political future and the broader democratic landscape in the region.