Tunisian President Kais Saied has come under fire for allegedly blocking his rivals ahead of the upcoming presidential election on October 6. Prominent opposition politician Ayachi Zammel was arrested on suspicion of falsifying endorsements to support his bid for candidacy. The electoral commission confirmed Zammel as one of the two challengers to Saied, but he was detained before he could be officially announced. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused the Tunisian government of restricting political competition and targeting opposition figures.
Saied, who won power in 2019 and later implemented a power grab in 2021, is seeking a second term in office. Zammel’s party treasurer was also arrested under similar charges, and other candidates have been disqualified for allegedly forging signatures. The electoral commission’s decision to reinstate some disqualified candidates has sparked protests by political parties and human rights groups, urging the implementation of the court’s ruling.
At least eight prospective candidates have faced legal actions, convictions, or imprisonment, raising concerns about political freedoms in Tunisia. The situation has drawn international attention as the country prepares for the upcoming election. The arrests and disqualifications have sparked accusations of repression and attempts to manipulate the electoral process. As the election date approaches, the Tunisian political landscape remains tense with accusations of unfair practices and the stifling of opposition voices.
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