2024-09-15 21:23:34
Thousands of Tunisians took to the streets of Tunisian cities to protest against the suppression of dissent and the exclusion of serious contenders in the upcoming presidential elections in the North African country, DPA informed, quoted by BTA.
The October 6 election pits incumbent President Qais Syed against just two challengers, one of whom is in custody.
The electoral commission recently refused to allow three presidential candidates to enter the race after winning court appeals.
Critics have accused the commission of not being independent enough and of clearing the way for Syed to win a second term, charges the commission has rejected.
Protesters gathered yesterday evening in the center of the capital, Tunis, who condemned the “authoritarianism” of the head of state. Some demonstrators chanted: “No fear. No intimidation. Power is in the hands of the people.”
Others chanted: “The people want the fall of the regime,” a slogan reminiscent of the 2010 uprising that ended the rule of longtime dictator Zine el Abidine Ben Ali.
Some observers are skeptical about how democratic the upcoming vote will be.
The vote will take place against a backdrop of “increased repression of dissent, media silencing and continued attacks on the independence of the judiciary,” Human Rights Watch said earlier this month.
“Conducting a vote under such repression is a mockery of the right of Tunisians to participate in free and fair elections,” said Bassam Khawaja, the organization’s deputy director for the Middle East and North Africa.
Since 2021, Sayed has consolidated his power by dissolving parliament and calling early elections – steps the opposition described as a “coup”.