Hundreds of Tunisians took to the streets of the capital on Friday, intensifying protests against President Kais Saied just two days before a controversial presidential election, which critics argue has been unfairly manipulated to ensure Saied’s grip on power.
Protesters gathered on Habib Bourguiba Avenue, a historic focal point for demonstrations, holding banners with slogans such as “Farce elections” and “Freedoms, not a lifelong presidency.” The demonstration echoed the spirit of the 2011 revolution that led to the ousting of former President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.
Tensions have been mounting in Tunisia after the electoral commission, appointed by Saied, disqualified three prominent candidates from running. The move has fuelled anger among the opposition, who argue that the president is undermining democracy. The situation worsened when an independent court, previously responsible for overseeing election disputes, had its authority removed by the parliament.
Adding to the controversy, presidential candidate Ayachi Zammel was recently sentenced to 14 years in prison after being convicted of forging electoral documents. Zammel has been in jail for a month, and his disqualification has left President Saied facing just two opponents: Zammel, who remains incarcerated, and Zouhair Maghzaoui, a former ally who has since turned critic.
Protesters chanted, “The people want the fall of the regime” and “Dictator Saied… your turn has come,” reflecting the rising discontent.
Zied Ghanney, an opposition figure, lamented the lack of genuine political choice, stating, “Tunisians are not accustomed to such an election. In 2011, 2014, and 2019 they expressed their opinions freely, but this election does not allow them the right to choose their destiny.”
The escalating protests signal growing frustration with Saied’s government, as opposition groups and demonstrators continue to challenge the president’s authority ahead of the election.
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