Politics Thousands protest ahead of elections in Tunisia

A few weeks before the presidential election in Tunisia, thousands have protested against the suppression of critical voices in the country. They gathered in the capital Tunis on Friday evening and accused incumbent Kais Saied of an authoritarian style of government. "No fear. No intimidation. Power is in the hands of the people," some of them shouted, according to eyewitnesses. They also criticized the fact that serious opponents to Saied had been excluded from the election. Some shouted slogans from the 2010 protests that led to the overthrow of long-term ruler Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali.

The election in the Mediterranean country is due to take place on October 6. More than a dozen potential candidates for the highest office have been sentenced in advance, some of them to prison sentences and bans on running for public office. In addition to Saied, only two other candidates are allowed to run, one of whom was also arrested.

Saied came to office in 2019 and has gradually expanded his power since 2021, including through the dissolution of parliament and a controversial new constitution. Observers have growing doubts as to whether the election can be held freely and fairly.