Tunis, Tunisia – Tunisian President Kais Saied has won a second term in office, securing 90.7 percent of the vote in the presidential election held on October 6, 2024, according to the Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE). The announcement was made by the electoral commission head on national television.

Despite Saied's overwhelming victory, the election was marked by a historically low voter turnout of just 28.8 percent, the lowest since the 2011 revolution that ended long-term ruler Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali’s rule and ushered in Tunisia's transition to democracy. The low participation fell short of the ISIE's earlier projection of around 30 percent.

The 66-year-old incumbent faced two challengers: Zouhair Maghzaoui, leader of the Chaab Party and a former ally who has since become a vocal critic of Saied's administration, and Ayachi Zammel, a businessman who was once seen as a formidable contender. However, Zammel’s campaign was effectively derailed by his incarceration last month, which raised eyebrows about political freedoms in the country.‍

Economic Crisis and Political Disillusionment

Tunisia's economic crisis, with an unemployment rate at 16 percent and a staggering 37 percent among youth, has severely impacted public confidence in the political system. Widespread accusations of corruption, coupled with growing frustration over the poor performance of state institutions, have led many Tunisians to become disillusioned with the country's democratic process. There are increasing calls for a return to the days of Ben Ali, whose ouster was fueled by the Arab Spring protests of 2011.

While many have grown critical of the post-revolution political landscape, Saied's supporters view the democratic changes since 2011 as ineffective and blame the faltering state institutions. Bassem Trifi, President of the Tunisian human rights organization LTDH, expressed deep concern over what he calls the "alarming and frightening" erosion of democratic principles and the rule of law. The crackdown on dissent intensified in February, with numerous arrests and instances of what observers call “judicial harassment,” further fueling concerns of backsliding into authoritarianism.‍

Crackdown on Migrants and EU Agreement Criticism

Under Saied's rule, Tunisia's rhetoric toward migrants, particularly those from sub-Saharan Africa, has hardened. The EU recently promised Tunisia over 100 million euros to bolster its border security as part of a migration agreement aimed at curbing migration to Europe. However, reports have emerged accusing the Tunisian government of abandoning migrants in the desert and using excessive force against them. Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, condemned these actions and called for an end to EU financial support for Tunisia’s border control unless serious violations are addressed.

More than 60 organizations have highlighted cases of Tunisian authorities violently attacking migrants at sea, using tear gas, and endangering their lives with dangerous maneuvers. They have also reported instances of torture and mistreatment of migrants in detention.‍

Controversial Electoral Process

Sunday's election marked the lowest voter turnout in a Tunisian presidential election since Ben Ali’s ousting. In stark contrast, 58 percent of voters turned out to support Saied’s initial presidential bid in 2019. The European Union responded to this election by "taking note" of the criticisms levied by human rights groups, who questioned the integrity of the electoral process. These groups raised concerns about "various measures deemed detrimental to the democratic requirements of credibility" of the vote.

Saied’s sweeping victory came after the ISIE barred 14 candidates from running, leaving just two challengers—Zouhair Maghzaoui, a former ally-turned-critic and leader of the Chaab Party, and Ayachi Zammel, a businessman who was considered a potential rival until he was jailed shortly after the ISIE approved his candidacy in September. Zammel, who is currently serving over 14 years for allegedly forging endorsements, was viewed as the only substantial contender until his campaign was cut short.‍

Rights Groups Condemn Democratic Backslide

International human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have decried a significant regression in Tunisia’s democracy. According to the organization, over 170 people are currently detained on political grounds or for exercising their fundamental rights. This includes prominent opposition figures such as Rached Ghannouchi, the head of the Islamist-inspired Ennahdha Party, and Abir Moussi, the leader of the Free Destourian Party, which some accuse of wanting to revive Ben Ali’s regime.

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