Tunisia gears up for its first election since President Kais Saied’s controversial rise to power through a “self-coup” in 2021. Saied’s presidency has been marred by a crackdown on civil liberties, freedom of speech, and arbitrary arrests.
How far has Tunisia fallen?
Despite being hailed as a success story post-2011 revolution, Tunisia’s progress has been marred by political instability, poverty, and social unrest.
Were things in Tunisia perfect before Saied’s power grab?
Tunisia’s democracy was messy, marked by unstable governments and economic challenges. However, landmark laws were enacted to address issues like violence against women.
Can the election fix Tunisia’s problems?
The upcoming election faces skepticism with limited viable candidates and concerns of election rigging. The credibility of the electoral process has been questioned.
What about the judiciary?
Tunisia’s judiciary has faced significant changes, leading to concerns about independence and impartiality.
What about the press?
Decree 54 has stifled media criticism, leading to a lack of public scrutiny and limited political discourse.
What about civil society?
Public protests have been subdued, civil society organizations shuttered, and activists arrested, indicating a shrinking space for dissent.