Tunisians to elect president with Saied's main opponents in jail

Tunisia’s presidential election on Sunday is taking place under a cloud of authoritarianism, with President Kais Saied facing only two opponents after key rivals were jailed or barred from running. As Reuters reports, Saied’s challengers include Zouhair Maghzaoui, a former ally turned critic, and Ayachi Zammel, who gained popularity after his recent imprisonment. Opposition leaders accuse Saied of undermining democracy, citing his dismissal of parliament in 2021 and a rewriting the constitution. 

Rights groups and political opponents argue the election is rigged, as major opposition figures, including the Islamist Ennahda party’s Rached Ghannouchi, remain behind bars. Saied, who denies accusations of dictatorship, has faced declining public enthusiasm, with turnout expected to be low. Tunisia, once a beacon of hope after the Arab Spring, now contends with economic hardship, high inflation, and shortages, leaving voters disillusioned with Saied’s leadership and the direction of the country.