TUNIS, Tunisia — Tunisia's main opposition coalition announced Tuesday it will not take part in the North African country's next presidential election unless President Kais Saied's political opponents are freed and the independence of the judiciary is restored.
More than 20 political opponents have been indicted or imprisoned since Mr Said consolidated his power in 2021 by proroguing parliament and amending the constitution. Voters, fed up with political and economic turmoil, approved his constitutional reforms in a low-turnout 2021 referendum.
Mr Said is widely expected to run in presidential elections, likely to be held in September or October. It is unclear whether anyone will challenge him.
The National Salvation Front, a coalition of major opposition parties including the once-powerful Islamist movement Annahada, expressed concern that the election was unfair and set out conditions for fielding candidates.
According to National Salvation Front chairman Ahmed Nezib Chebbi, these include the release of imprisoned politicians, allowing the headquarters in Annahada to reopen, guaranteeing the neutrality and independence of the electoral commission, and the independence of the judicial system. This includes the recovery of
Annada's headquarters were closed a year ago, and its leader, Rached Ghannoushi, a former parliamentary speaker, was sentenced to 15 months in prison for glorifying terrorism. His supporters say the charges are politically motivated.
Under constitutional reforms introduced by Mr Said, the president can appoint not only magistrates but also members of the electoral authority.
Tunisia's early charter was considered a model for democracy in the region.
Tunisia built a widely admired but unstable democracy after sparking the Arab Spring uprisings across the region in 2011. Tunisia's economic woes have deepened in recent years, and the country is now a major departure point for migrants who board dangerous boats from Tunisia and other parts of Africa. A trip to Europe.
