The Independent High Authority for Elections of Tunisia (ISIE) is set to announce the official results of the recent election, with controversial incumbent President Kais Saied facing off against two rivals. Saied, aged 66, ran against Zouhair Maghzaoui and Ayachi Zammel, with the latter posing a strong challenge until being jailed last month.
The election saw a voter turnout of 27.7 percent, slightly lower than anticipated, with Saied’s opponents receiving low support in exit polls. However, prominent political figures opposed to Saied have faced imprisonment, leading to concerns about political freedoms in the country.
Tunisia is currently grappling with economic challenges, high inflation, and unemployment, which have sparked protests. Additionally, Saied’s controversial actions, including dismissing judges and rewriting the constitution, have been condemned as undemocratic.
Despite criticism, Saied maintains that his actions are aimed at combating corruption and traitors within the government. The political climate in Tunisia remains tense following the disqualification of candidates and the consolidation of power within Saied’s administration.