Rights group criticizes political interference in Tunisian elections
HRW Urges Tunisian Government to Halt “Political Interference” in Upcoming Presidential Election.
The international organization Human Rights Watch has called on the Tunisian government to stop what it describes as “political interference” in the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for October 6.
In a statement issued today, Tuesday, the organization said that “Tunisian authorities must immediately halt politically motivated prosecutions and allow for free and fair elections.”
Bassem Khawaja, Deputy Director of the Middle East and North Africa division at the organization, stated: “After imprisoning dozens of opposition figures and prominent activists, the Tunisian authorities have nearly eliminated all serious competitors from the presidential race, turning the vote into a mere formality,” according to the statement.
Khawaja demanded that the Tunisian government “immediately end its political interference in the electoral process, reverse repressive measures, and allow opposition candidates to participate in the elections.”
According to the organization, “At least eight potential candidates have been convicted, sentenced to prison, or banned for life from running for office since July 14, while others have faced harassment and intimidation.”
Among them, the organization noted: Abdel Latif Mekki, head of the Workers’ Party and former Minister of Health, TV presenter Nizar Chaari, and former judge Mourad Msadoui.
Also included are retired army colonel Mohamed Adel Dhaw, academic Leila Hemami, rapper and businessman Karim Gharsalli, leader of the Free Destourian Party Abir Moussi, and leader of the Popular Union Republican Party Lotfi Maraïhi, according to the statement.
Out of 17 candidacy files, the election authority has accepted the files of 3 candidates: current President Kais Saied, Secretary General of the People’s Movement Zouhair Maghzaoui, and leader of the Azmoun Movement Ayachi Zammal.
President Kais Saied has repeatedly stated that the judicial system in his country is independent and does not interfere in its affairs, while the opposition accuses him of using the judiciary to target his political opponents and potential rivals in the presidential election.
In April, the National Salvation Front, the largest opposition coalition, announced that it would not participate in the elections due to the “lack of competitive conditions.”
Meanwhile, the authorities claim that the elections meet the criteria for integrity, transparency, and fair competition.
The opposition has boycotted all events related to exceptional measures initiated by Saied on July 25, 2021, which included: dissolving the judiciary and parliament, issuing legislation by presidential orders, enacting a new constitution through a public referendum, and holding early legislative elections.
Editorial Team ✍🏼
