Tunisian President Kais Saied is poised to win re-election on Sunday with little opposition as his major rivals have either been imprisoned or disqualified from running. Saied, who was elected in 2019, has faced criticism for his authoritarian tendencies and handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, but with no significant challengers on the ballot, his chances of winning a second term are high.
Saied’s main rival, media mogul Nabil Karoui, is currently serving a prison sentence for money laundering and tax evasion, while another prominent opponent, Hichem Mechichi, was barred from running due to a technicality. This has left Saied with a clear path to victory, with only seven candidates standing in his way compared to the 26 who competed in the last presidential election.
Despite his critics, Saied remains popular among many Tunisians who see him as a populist leader who is fighting against corruption and promoting good governance. However, his critics point to his decision to dissolve parliament and rule by decree as evidence of his authoritarian tendencies. The upcoming election will be a test of Saied’s popularity and the extent of his support among the Tunisian people.
The election comes at a critical time for Tunisia, which is facing economic challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Saied has promised to address these issues and bring about reforms to improve the country’s economy and governance. As the country prepares to head to the polls, all eyes will be on Saied and whether he can secure another term in office.
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