Tunisia’s electoral commission has sparked controversy by approving just three candidates for next month’s presidential election, ignoring a court order to reinstate three other candidates. The approved candidates include incumbent President Kais Saied and Ayachi Zammel, whose campaign team reported his arrest on Monday.
The commission’s decision comes despite the country’s highest court ruling last week that three previously barred candidates should be allowed to run. The commission claimed the court’s ruling was not communicated within the deadline, prompting criticism from rights groups and concerns about the election’s credibility.
President Saied has faced accusations of restricting opposition candidates and consolidating power since his first term in 2019. He has suspended parliament, concentrated power, and pushed through a new constitution cementing his one-man rule.
Human Rights Watch has reported that eight prospective candidates were excluded through prosecution and imprisonment. The commission’s move is seen as another sign of Tunisia’s drift away from democracy, prompting concerns among citizens and rights groups.
The presidential election is scheduled for October 6, with President Saied seeking re-election amidst growing criticism of his authoritarian rule.
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