Human Rights Watch urges Tunisia to stop 'political interference' ahead of election

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged the Tunisian government to halt what it describes as "political interference" ahead of the upcoming presidential election on October 6^th, according to a report by Middle East Monitor.

“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,” Bassam Khawaja, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at HRW, said in a statement.

President Kais Saied denies allegations of silencing his critics but many lawyers, human rights activists, and opposition figures argue that he is using the judicial system to target political opponents.

HRW reports that at least eight potential candidates have either been jailed or handed lifetime bans from running for office. Out of the 17 individuals who initially expressed interest in running, only three have been approved by Tunisia's electoral committee: Saied, one of his allies, and a relatively unknown figure.

Khawaja has called on the Tunisian government to "immediately end its political interference in the electoral process, reverse repressive measures, and allow opposition candidates to participate in the election."

Saied, who was democratically elected in 2019, dissolved parliament two years later, altered the constitution, and consolidated power—actions his critics label as a coup. Despite the criticism, Saied maintains that his actions are necessary to protect the country from "imminent danger."