Cairo [Egypt], August 21: Tunisian authorities have intensified their crackdown on critics of President Kais Saied, just over six weeks ahead of the presidential election, Human Rights Watch reported on Tuesday.
"After jailing dozens of prominent opponents and activists, Tunisian authorities have removed almost all serious contenders from the presidential race, reducing this vote to a mere formality," said Bassam Khawaja, a spokesman for Human Rights Watch.
After eight potential candidates were sentenced to prison terms or given lifelong bans on standing for elections, the remnants of Tunisia's democracy are now being buried, the human rights organization said.
President Saied won the presidential election in 2019 and has concentrated more and more power in his hands since 2021, including through a controversial new constitution.
Dozens of prominent opposition figures, activists, journalists and lawyers have been arrested. Critical voices and the right to free expression are being increasingly repressed, according to Human Rights Watch.
Among those affected is Abir Moussi, a prominent critic of Saied. She has been imprisoned and sentenced to two years in prison on charges of "spreading fake news and rumours."
In early August, President Saied dismissed claims of pressure on opposition figures, stating, "Those who speak of obstacles and difficulties ... seek to spread chaos, discord, rumours and lies." The presidential election in Tunisia is set for October 6, with only three candidates approved so far, including incumbent Saied.
Once hailed as the only successful transition to democracy after the Arab Spring uprisings of 2011, Tunisia has seen a significant decline in public confidence, with many citizens losing faith in their government.
Source: Qatar Tribune