Tunisian President Kais Saied has declared his candidacy for a second term in the upcoming October elections amidst a backdrop of intensified crackdowns on political opposition, with several challengers already in prison or facing prosecution. Saied, who seized broad powers after his 2019 election, has faced criticism for suspending parliament and consolidating control through dismissals and constitutional revisions. His administration's actions, including imprisoning critics like Rached Ghannouchi, have raised concerns about the country's trajectory since the Arab Spring. Opposition parties accuse Saied of manipulating the judiciary to suppress rivals, with calls for fair elections by releasing political prisoners and ensuring press freedom.