Tunisia’s parliament made a significant decision on Friday by amending a law that curtails the power of courts over rulings made by the country's election authority. The election authority, whose members are appointed by President Kais Saied, has been at the center of a heated debate just nine days before the upcoming presidential election.
The amendment to the election law was passed by a majority of parliament members, sparking outrage from opposition groups and civil society organizations. Critics allege that the election authority has been collaborating with President Saied to limit competition and ensure his re-election for a second term.
Protests erupted outside the parliament building as demonstrators voiced their discontent with the decision. Tunisia, known for being the first country to overthrow an authoritarian regime during the Arab Spring, has faced challenges in maintaining a democratic electoral process.
The conflict between the courts and the Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE) intensified when the election authority refused to reinstate three candidates on the ballot as ordered by a judicial ruling. This move, along with the arrest and exclusion of other candidates, has raised concerns among civil society groups.
During the parliamentary debate, accusations were made against the court for alleged bias and foreign influence. President Saied has been criticized for employing populist rhetoric and conspiracy theories against his opponents, accusing them of being puppets of foreign interests.
As the country prepares for the upcoming election, President Saied, a populist leader seeking re-election, faces limited opposition due to the imprisonment of prominent figures and the candidacy of two relatively unknown individuals. The political landscape in Tunisia remains tense as the election approaches, with allegations of electoral fraud and political manipulation.
