Tunisia Parliament Strips Court Authority Before Election

Tunisia's parliament has passed a controversial law stripping the Administrative Court of its authority to adjudicate electoral disputes just nine days before the presidential election scheduled for October 6. This move, seen as a tactic to bolster President Kais Saied's control, has raised significant concerns among opposition groups regarding the fairness of the electoral process. The court, viewed as the last independent judicial body in Tunisia, had previously ordered the reinstatement of disqualified presidential candidates, but the electoral commission, appointed by Saied, ignored this ruling. Protests erupted outside the parliament, with demonstrators accusing Saied of orchestrating a 'rigged election' while civil rights activists called for further demonstrations. Critics argue that this alteration to the electoral law undermines democracy and consolidates power in Saied's hands, particularly following his earlier dissolution of the Supreme Judicial Council and dismissal of numerous judges. The opposition has expressed fears that the new law will prevent any meaningful competition in the upcoming election, solidifying Saied's grip on power.