Tunisian court sentenced four potential presidential candidates to eight months in prison, barring them from running for office due to vote-buying charges, reported Reuters.
Critics say this is to eliminate President Kais Saied’s serious competitors.
This ruling fuels fears among opposition parties, candidates, and human rights groups who allege authorities are using arbitrary restrictions to ensure Saied’s reelection in the October 6 vote.
Prominent figures affected include politician Abdel Latif Mekki, activist Nizar Chaari, Judge Mourad Massoudi, and Adel Dou.
Lawyer Mokthar Jmai revealed these names to the public.
Mekki’s campaign manager, Ahmed Nafatti, insists they will submit candidacy papers, despite the ruling.
Nafatti called the decision “unfair and unjust,” saying it aims to exclude a strong competitor.
Late Monday, a separate court sentenced Abir Moussi, another Saied opponent, to two years for insulting the election commission.
Saied, denying any restrictions on rivals, dismissed such claims as “nonsense and lies.”