Tunisia’s highest court has ordered the electoral commission to reinstate two presidential candidates for the upcoming October election, warning that failure to do so could threaten the legitimacy of the vote.
The decision by the Administrative Court comes amid escalating political tensions in Tunisia. Opposition groups and civil society fear the election process is being manipulated to secure a second term for President Kais Saied. On Friday, thousands of Tunisians took to the streets in the largest protest in two years, calling for an end to Saied’s rule and condemning restrictions on freedoms.
Tensions have been rising since the electoral commission, earlier this month, refused to comply with the court’s decision to reinstate candidates Abdellaif Mekki, Mondher Znaidi, and Imed Daimi, citing irregularities in their applications. Many political parties and rights groups have accused the commission, whose members were appointed by the president, of becoming a tool to eliminate his rivals.
Commission head Farouk Bouasker has denied these claims, insisting that the body is dedicated to safeguarding the integrity of the election process.
The court, however, has stated that the commission must follow its ruling and may need to adjust the electoral schedule accordingly. It remains unclear if this will lead to a delay in the election or an extension of the campaign period.
President Saied, initially elected in 2019, has faced increasing criticism for tightening his grip on power, ruling by decree since 2021 – a move that the opposition calls a coup.
