Tunisians Protest Against President Kais Saied

Hundreds of Tunisians protested against President Kais Saied on Sunday, accusing him of deepening authoritarianism and stifling political competition just two weeks before the presidential election scheduled for October 6. Demonstrators gathered in Tunis, responding to a proposed bill that would strip the administrative court of its authority to resolve electoral disputes, a move critics believe undermines the legitimacy of the upcoming election. The opposition claims that Saied's government has disqualified three prominent presidential candidates while allowing only two to compete, one of whom is currently imprisoned on charges considered politically motivated. Nabil Hajji, leader of the opposition Attayar party, stated that Saied's actions reflect his fear of losing the election and a decline in his popularity. Protesters chanted slogans like “The people want the fall of the regime,” echoing sentiments from the 2011 Arab Spring. Saied, who has increasingly consolidated power since ruling by decree in 2021, denies the accusations and insists he is combating corruption and treachery.