Tunisian Election Commission Rejects Reinstated Candidates

Tunisia's electoral commission has rejected an administrative court's ruling that reinstated three disqualified presidential candidates, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the upcoming election on October 6. The commission approved only President Kais Saied and two other candidates, despite a petition from 26 civil society groups advocating for the inclusion of the reinstated candidates—Imed Daimi, Mondher Zenaidi, and Abdellatif Mekki. Critics accuse Saied of authoritarianism following his power consolidation in 2021, which has led to many of his political opponents being imprisoned or prosecuted. The petition emphasizes the administrative court's authority in adjudicating candidacy disputes and calls for adherence to legal rulings to ensure electoral transparency. The electoral commission's actions could further exacerbate the political crisis that has been unfolding since Saied's controversial actions two years ago. The political landscape remains tense as civil society mobilizes support for a fair electoral process.