Tunisia is preparing for a presidential election on October 6, confirmed by President Kais Saied’s office on Tuesday. It’s uncertain whether Saied will run for another five-year term after first being elected in 2019.
Saied, noted for his expertise in constitutional law, assumed full control of the country in 2021, governing through decrees after dismissing the prime minister and parliament, actions that led to the imprisonment of many critics. He successfully introduced a new constitution through a referendum in 2022, establishing a presidential system alongside a parliament with limited powers.
A statement from Saied’s office on July 2, 2024, announced the summoning of voters for the upcoming presidential election scheduled for Sunday, October 6, 2024.
The political turmoil stemming from his consolidation of power has significantly impacted Tunisia’s economy, resulting in a 15% unemployment rate and about four million citizens, out of a population of 12 million, living in poverty.
Additionally, a crackdown on the media has led to the prosecution of more than 60 journalists, lawyers, and political opponents, according to the National Union of Tunisian Journalists.
In a surprising move in May, Saied replaced the ministers of interior and social affairs following a series of arrests targeting human rights activists, lawyers, and journalists.
Efforts to secure a $2 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund have stalled since the 2021 power seizure, as Saied has refused to implement the reforms requested by the IMF.
However, in June, the European Investment Bank unveiled grants and loans totaling 450 million euros ($480 million) to support infrastructure projects and small to medium-sized enterprises.
The crisis has prompted thousands of Tunisians to undertake dangerous boat journeys across the Mediterranean in search of better opportunities in Europe.
