Tunisian President Kais Saied is projected to secure victory in the presidential election with 89.2% of the vote, as per an exit poll aired on state TV. This anticipated win would solidify his authority, following his power consolidation in 2021. The official results are slated for release on Monday night.
Despite voter apathy, with under 30% turnout, Saied faced opposition from Ayachi Zammel and Zouhair Maghzaoui in the election. His ascent to power, leveraging public discontent post-Arab Spring, is expected to see him triumph easily due to marginalized opponents.
Saied’s initial term has been marked by economic challenges and increased political influence after suspending parliament and reworking the constitution in 2021. The opposition lambasted the election as a charade, creating a blockade against Saied’s autocratic tendencies.
Amid growing autocracy concerns, Saied dissolved parliament in 2021 and adopted ruling by decree, prompting accusations of a coup from the opposition. He has vowed not to relinquish authority to what he deems “non-patriots”.
Chronic economic issues plague Tunisia, with soaring public debt and a substantial current account deficit, exacerbated by global circumstances. Saied’s presidency persists amidst scrutiny for potential electoral constraints and economic mismanagement.