On October 7, 2024, the Independent High Authority for Elections of Tunisia (ISIE) announced that President Kais Saied was re-elected with 90.7% of the votes. This landslide victory has sparked debates over the state of democracy in Tunisia, as the election was marked by historically low voter turnout.
Low Voter Turnout Raises Concerns
The 2024 presidential election saw only 28.8% voter turnout, the lowest since the 2011 Jasmine Revolution, which ousted former dictator Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali and established Tunisia’s democratic framework. This significant drop from the 55% turnout in 2019 highlights concerns about public engagement and the legitimacy of the election.
Kais Saied’s Political Context and Opposition Suppression
The election took place amid political tension in Tunisia. President Saied’s government has been accused of suppressing opposition figures, including the imprisonment of key leaders like Rached Ghannouchi, head of the Ennahda party, and Abir Moussi, head of the Free Constitutional Party. Additionally, Ayachi Zammel, a major rival candidate, was sentenced to 12 years in prison shortly before the election, leaving minimal competition for Saied.
Tunisia’s Democratic Journey and Challenges
Tunisia has undergone significant political changes since gaining independence from France in 1956. After decades of authoritarian rule, the Jasmine Revolution of 2011 introduced democracy. However, critics argue that Saied’s 2022 constitutional amendments, which strengthened presidential powers and weakened legislative and judicial bodies, mark a shift away from democratic values.
Key Differences Between the 2019 and 2024 Presidential Elections
| Election Year | 2019 | 2024 |
| Voter Turnout | 55% | 28.8% |
| President Elected | Kais Saied | Kais Saied |
| Key Opposition Leaders | Rached Ghannouchi (active) | Rached Ghannouchi (imprisoned) |
| Main Rival | Nabil Karoui | Ayachi Zammel |
Tunisia’s Socio-Political Environment
Tunisia, located in North Africa’s Maghreb region, has a rich cultural and political history. The country faces ongoing challenges, including high unemployment, economic instability, and political polarization, which continue to affect its development.
Kais Saied Wins Presidential Election 2024 Summary
- Kais Saied re-elected for a second term in Tunisia with 90.7% votes.
- Historic low voter turnout of 28.8%, raising concerns over democracy.
- Saied’s government accused of suppressing opposition and sidelining rival candidates.
- Tunisia’s democratic progress in question since the 2022 constitutional referendum.
- Key opposition leaders, Rached Ghannouchi and Abir Moussi, are imprisoned.
- Tunisia’s political system now favors a strong presidential model with limited legislative power.
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President Kais Saied won the 2024 election with 90.7% of the votes.
The 2024 election had a voter turnout of 28.8%, a sharp decline from previous elections, raising concerns about public engagement and the legitimacy of the process.
Critics accuse Saied of suppressing opposition, jailing political rivals, and reversing democratic gains achieved after the 2011 Jasmine Revolution.
In 2022, Saied passed a referendum that strengthened presidential powers while weakening Tunisia’s legislative and judicial systems.
The Jasmine Revolution of 2011 was a pivotal uprising that ousted Tunisia’s long-term dictator, Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, and established the country’s current democratic framework.