(3 Minutes Read)
The new law requires candidates to submit a document certifying that they have no criminal record before allowing them to register. So far, none of the opposition hopefuls have obtained the document
Tunisian opposition presidential candidates, human rights groups, and political parties on Friday denounced ‘arbitrary restrictions’ put on them by the authorities ahead of the October 6 vote.
In a statement, they said that the limitations are meant to guarantee the re-election of President Kais Saied. Eleven opposition figures hope to run against Saied. The new law requires candidates to submit a document certifying that they have no criminal record before allowing them to register. So far, none of the opposition hopefuls have obtained the document. President Saied is widely expected to seek re-election.
Saied after taking over as President in 2021, dismissed the Parliament and oversaw the drafting of a new constitution, which gives the President overarching powers while weakening the oversight role of parliament. Saied defended his power grab as necessary to fight corruption.
Read Also:
As the October election is fast approaching, it appears that there is no visible opposition to fight against Saied, if he decides to contest the election, which many political analysts say is a foregone conclusion although he did not officially announce his candidature.
