Tunisia’s primary opposition coalition declared on Tuesday that it will boycott the upcoming presidential election unless President Kais Saied’s political adversaries are released and judicial independence is reinstated.
Since Saied consolidated power in 2021 by suspending parliament and revising the country’s constitution, more than 20 political opponents have been arrested or imprisoned.
Despite voters endorsing his constitutional amendments in a 2021 referendum characterized by low turnout, concerns persist about political and economic instability.
Saied is widely anticipated to participate in the presidential election, likely to occur in September or October, although it remains uncertain if any challengers will emerge.
The National Salvation Front, comprising major opposition parties including the once-influential Islamist movement Ennahdha, expressed doubts about the fairness of the election and outlined its prerequisites for fielding a candidate.
According to National Salvation Front president Ahmed Nejib Chebbi, the conditions laid out for participation in the presidential election include the release of imprisoned politicians, reopening Ennahdha’s headquarters, ensuring the neutrality and independence of the electoral commission, and restoring the independence of the judicial system.
Ennahdha’s headquarters were closed down a year ago, and its leader, Rached Ghannouchi—a former parliament speaker—was sentenced to 15 months in prison on charges of glorifying terrorism.
Supporters of Ghannouchi argue that the charge is politically motivated.
Under the constitutional amendments introduced by Saied, the president has the authority to appoint members of the electoral authority and magistrates.
Tunisia’s previous constitution had been regarded as a model for democracies in the region.
Tunisia gained widespread acclaim for establishing a fragile democracy following the Arab Spring uprisings in 2011.
However, economic challenges have intensified in recent years, and the country has become a significant departure point for migrants from Tunisia and other parts of Africa embarking on perilous boat journeys toward Europe.
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