Reelection strengthens Kais Saied’s grip on power

Kais Saied, a 66 year old Tunisian politician who is known for his anti-corruption stance during the campaign of the 2019 Presidential election. Later, his tenure has been criticised as a controversial leadership and has been compared with the former Tunisia’s dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Amidst all of these, the re-election took place on October 6, 2024 and the results were announced on October 8, 2024.  

“This is a continuation of the revolution. We will build and will cleanse the country of the corrupt, traitors and conspirators.” said Tunisian President, Kais Saied

The opposition have boycotted the election because most of the important opponent figures are imprisoned. They were arrested after the intervention of Kais in the judiciary and he took over certain power of control by rewriting the constitution of Tunisia. The opposition also raised their concern for the authoritarianism of Kais Saied in Tunisia. This re-election was overhauled by Kais Saied himself for strengthening his political and judicial power in Tunisia.

On October 6, only 28.8% of eligible voters participated in the re-election because most of them were arrested and imprisoned. This led to the landslide victory of Kais Saied for the Presidential re-election. The dissatisfaction faced by the Tunisians during his tenure are

• High inflation
• Unemployment
• Rise in the cost of living
• Failure of Anti-Corruption promises made by Kais
• Dismiss of Parliament
• Constitution has been rewritten for his take over on power

Kais Saied became the President of Tunisia in 2019. His political speeches primarily focus on social justice, moral leadership and equality. He self-portraits him as a defender of Tunisia against both regional and international conflicts. Many political and important figures denounced his landslide win.

“It’s possible that after 20 years our kids will protest on Avenue Habib Bourguiba to demand his removal,” said a freelance filmmaker, Amri Sofien.

“His comments about cleansing the country are particularly ominous in light of the recent crackdown and mass arrests and his prior scapegoating of migrants. It is clear that democracy in Tunisia is in a complete backslide” Bassam Khawaja, deputy Middle East director.

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“The absolute power of a single man who places himself above everyone else and believes himself to be invested with a messianic message” Sghayer Zakraoui, Tunis Lawyer.

“The authorities seemed to see subversion everywhere” said Michael Ayari, Senior Analyst for Algeria & Tunisia at the International Crisis Group