A Tunisian court has sentenced four potential presidential candidates, including prominent politician Abdel Latif Mekki and activist Nizar Chaari, to eight months in prison and banned them from running for office on charges of vote buying. Critics argue that this ruling is a strategic move by President Kais Saied to eliminate serious competition ahead of the October 6 elections. Additionally, Abir Moussi, a vocal opponent of Saied, received a two-year prison sentence for insulting the election commission, further raising concerns about judicial independence. Many opposition figures and human rights advocates accuse the Saied administration of using intimidation and arbitrary restrictions to secure his re-election. Despite these setbacks, Mekki's campaign manager has stated they will still submit candidacy papers. Saied, who has ruled by decree since dissolving parliament in 2021, denies any allegations of suppressing rivals.