Tunisian legal scholars issued a stern warning on Thursday about next month’s presidential election. They raised concerns that the election’s legitimacy could be compromised if the electoral commission ignores recent court rulings.
A group of academics expressed their apprehensions amid rising allegations against President Kais Saied. Rights groups have accused Saied of undermining the democratic reforms set up after the Arab Spring.
Last week, Tunisia’s highest administrative court intervened, reinstating three disqualified candidates. Mondher Znaidi, Abdellatif Mekki, and Imed Daimi were reinstated for the October 6 vote after their candidacies had been initially rejected.
However, the election commission defied the court’s decision this week. It approved only Saied’s candidacy and those of Zouhair Magzhaoui and Ayachi Zammel.
This decision has sparked widespread criticism from political factions, activists, and rights organizations. Znaidi, Daimi, and Mekki have vowed to continue their legal fight, alleging that the commission’s actions favor Saied.
Approximately 90 law professors issued a statement urging the commission to comply with the court’s ruling. They stressed that failing to do so jeopardizes the credibility and integrity of the electoral process.
Additionally, the public prosecutor ordered the detention of Zouhair Magzhaoui on Wednesday. He is accused of falsifying popular endorsements but denies the allegations, claiming he is being targeted due to his strong candidacy.
President Saied, who has been in office since 2019, has faced criticism for consolidating power since 2021. He has vowed to prevent Tunisia from falling into the hands of what he describes as “non-patriots.”