Kais Saied Expected to Win Presidential Election in Tunisia

Tunisia's upcoming presidential election on Sunday is expected to result in an easy victory for incumbent President Kais Saied, whose main opponents are either jailed or disqualified from the race. This election marks a significant regression for Tunisia, once celebrated as a beacon of democracy following the Arab Spring, as Saied has enacted measures that critics describe as a power grab since his 2021 dismissal of the parliament and rewriting of the constitution. The absence of meaningful opposition has resulted in a lackluster campaign, devoid of rallies and debates, with nearly all campaign materials showcasing Saied. Despite initially rising to power on an anti-establishment platform in 2019, Saied's consolidation of power has now led to widespread criticism and accusations of undermining democratic processes. Analysts predict voter disengagement due to the lack of competition, echoing concerns from previous electoral participation, which saw historically low turnouts. As Saied faces only two challengers—one a former ally and the other facing legal troubles—the election highlights the alarming trajectory of Tunisia's political landscape and diminishing democratic space.