The EU takes note of the elections in Tunisia and the criticism of the lack of a democratic process

BRUSSELS Oct. 7 (EUROPA PRESS) –

The European Union took note this Monday of the elections held in Tunisia and which would give victory to the current president, Kais Saied, with 89.2 percent of the votes, according to the estimate of exit polls, in about elections marked by low participation and criticism of the electoral process.

In statements in Brussels, the EU Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Nabila Massrali, assured that the bloc takes note of the elections, the polls and the 28.9% turnout, although it is waiting for the official proclamation of the results to be announced. scheduled for this Monday afternoon.

Likewise, Masralli has indicated that the EU takes into account the comments of different actors regarding doubts about the electoral process and about “the measures that may affect the credibility of the results”, after recalling the change in the electoral law just a few days before the elections.

In this sense, he has stated that the EU is on the side of the Tunisian citizens and listens to their legitimate democratic aspirations and sustainable development, although within the framework of the agreement signed with Tunisia, which governs relations and relates mainly to the official authorities.

Saied would have won the elections with practically no opposition and a long distance from the other two candidates Ayachi Zamel, leader of the liberal Azimun party, with 6.9%, and Zuhair Magzhaui, leader of the progressive People’s Movement (Echaab), with 3. 9%.

The Tunisian presidential race has been marked by the persecution and disqualification of several opponents. Shortly before the elections, Zamel was arrested and sentenced to three sentences totaling more than a decade in prison.

Tunisia, considered one of the few examples of democratic success after the outbreak of the ‘Arab Spring’, has suffered during the last five years a setback in rights and freedoms that has been attributed to the president, which has led its critics to draw parallels with Zine el Abidine ben Ali, who governed the country from 1987 to 2011, and whose long mandate ended precisely with this revolution.