Tunisian President Saied secures second term amid low turnout and claims of political suppression

Exit polls in Tunisia have confirmed a decisive victory for incumbent President Kais Saied in the contentious presidential election, according to the Associated Press. He won more than 89% of the vote, according to Sigma Conseil, a respected polling firm. This data was announced by the country's public broadcasters.

“This is a continuation of the revolution. We will build and cleanse the country of the corrupt, traitors, and conspirators," Saied reportedly declared at his campaign headquarters after early results indicated a landslide victory.

However, the election was notable for its low voter turnout, with only 27% of the electorate casting ballots before the polls closed. That’s roughly half the voter turnout in the 2019 presidential election.

Saied has faced significant criticism from human rights groups, who accuse him of acting undemocratically in recent years. In the lead-up to the election, numerous lawyers, activists, and opposition figures were jailed, prompting widespread allegations that the election was rigged. Many of Saied's critics boycotted the election, dismissing it as a sham.

Despite the controversies, supporters of Saied celebrated in Tunis. "We rejoice for a person because he served the state and not for his own benefit. He serves for the benefit of the people and the state," a supporter told Reuters.