BRUSSELS, September 4 (EUROPA PRESS) –
The European Union on Wednesday criticised the exclusion of presidential candidates by Tunisia’s electoral commission, saying it “limits the range of options” for Tunisian citizens.
In statements to Europa Press, an EU spokesperson has regretted the decision of the Independent Supreme Authority for Elections (ISIE) which only accepted three candidacies, including the current president, Kais Saied, after removing other candidates from the race, recalling that the ISIE does not abide by the decision of the Administrative Court regarding the other candidacies.
“This decision follows the arrests and prison sentences handed down to political figures in recent weeks, including some potential presidential candidates,” the spokesman said, referring to the persecution of figures critical of Saied.
The EU notes that these latest events “demonstrate the continued restriction of democratic space” in the North African country and reiterates that the rule of law and respect for the separation of powers “constitute the core of democratic values”, together with electoral rights and the right to a fair trial.
The Tunisian president announced the date of the vote in early July, amid complaints from the opposition and activists about his authoritarian drift, especially after assuming full powers in May 2021 by dissolving the government and suspending Parliament, which was subsequently dissolved.
The opposition, mostly grouped around the National Salvation Front (FSN), has denounced Saied’s actions for more than two years and has demanded his resignation, especially in view of the wave of arrests of opponents, activists and journalists. Meanwhile, the EU has found in the Tunisian leader an ally to combat irregular migration and signed a controversial Memorandum in July 2023 in which it supports local authorities financially and technically to discourage migration to Europe.
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