Tunisia’s court loses electoral power ahead of presidential vote

Tunisia’s current parliament was elected in 2022 with only 11% of voters participating, after Saied dissolved the previous one. Opposition groups have called this a “coup.” Protests broke out outside the parliament, with demonstrators holding signs like “Assassination of Democracy” and “Rigged Election.” Some shouted, “Dictator Saied, your time has come!”

Political activist Chaima Issa expressed concerns, saying, “We are seeing the state being taken over just before the vote.”

Opposition parties are also worried because the court had recently ordered several disqualified presidential candidates to be reinstated. However, the election commission ignored this decision and is only allowing two candidates to run against Saied. Critics say Saied is using the courts and the election commission to limit competition and make sure he wins.

Saied, who was elected in 2019, has ruled by decree since 2021. Several of his political rivals, like Ayachi Zammel and Abir Moussi, have been imprisoned or blocked from running in this election.

As the election approaches, tensions are rising, and civil rights groups and opposition parties are planning protests in the days leading up to the vote.

(With inputs from Reuters)