
Supporters of Tunisian President Kais Saied celebrated in the capital, Tunis, on Sunday night after an exit poll showed him winning.
The exit poll was broadcast on state television and indicated Saied defeating two rivals, one of whom is currently imprisoned.
Saied faced two opponents: former ally turned critic Zouhair Maghzaoui, leader of the Chaab Party, and Ayachi Zammel, who was jailed last month.
The election commission reported a voter turnout of 27.7%, significantly lower than the 2019 presidential election runoff turnout.
Official results are expected Monday evening, but polling agency Sigma showed Saied leading with 89.2% of votes.
In his initial comment, Saied said, “This is a continuation of the revolution. We will cleanse the country of the corrupt and traitors.”
Both Maghzaoui and Zammel’s campaigns rejected the exit poll results.
Supporters gathered on Habib Bourguiba Avenue in Tunis, waving Tunisian flags and chanting, “The people want to build and develop.”
However, critics argued Saied has reversed Tunisia’s democratic gains, consolidating power while imprisoning political opponents.
Saied has defended his actions as necessary to fight corruption.