Thousands of Tunisians took to the streets on Friday to protest against President Kais Saied, accusing him of manipulating the upcoming October 6 presidential election by detaining and intimidating his opponents.
This marked one of the largest demonstrations since Saied began ruling by decree in 2021, which the opposition views as a coup.
Protesters called for his removal, chanting slogans such as “Out with dictator Saied” and “No fear, no terror, streets belong to the people.”
In August, the electoral commission disqualified three prominent candidates due to alleged filing irregularities, despite a court ruling on September 2 to reinstate them, which the commission ignored.
Critics argue that Saied is using the electoral commission to ensure his victory, a charge he denies, claiming his actions are aimed at combating corruption.
The commission’s refusal to comply with the court’s ruling has left just three candidates in the presidential race: Saied, Zouhair Maghzaoui, and Ayachi Zammel.
Zammel, who was arrested 10 days ago on allegations of falsifying voter signatures—claims he contends are fabricated by Saied—faces 25 court cases. Lawyers suggest he may be disqualified from the election.
Protesters are calling for Zammel’s release, as well as the release of all political prisoners, activists, and journalists detained for opposing Saied.
“We are on the streets to defend freedoms and rights that are genuinely at risk,” Bassam Trifi, head of the Human Rights League, told Reuters.
He criticized the electoral commission for not adhering to the court’s decision and warned that continued restrictions on candidates would lead to an “undemocratic election.”
Major political parties, whose leaders are largely imprisoned, argue that Saied’s rule has undermined the democratic progress achieved since Tunisia’s 2011 revolution.
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