EU criticizes Tunisia"s election actions amid democratic concerns

On September 5, the European Union expressed concerns regarding the state of democracy in Tunisia following the arrest of presidential candidate Ayachi Zammel. Zammel was taken into custody on September 2, as authorities investigated allegations of ballot signature forgery. This incident coincided with the release of a final list of candidates for the upcoming presidential election scheduled for October 6, which notably excluded three other candidates despite their successful appeals against disqualification. The EU criticized these actions, stating they undermine democratic values and limit electoral choices for the Tunisian populace. An EU foreign affairs spokesperson emphasized the importance of the rule of law, separation of powers, and electoral rights as fundamental components of democracy. The spokesperson also highlighted the ongoing monitoring of Tunisia's political landscape, indicating a worrying trend of diminishing democratic space. President Kais Saied, who came to power through free elections in 2019, has faced accusations of authoritarianism after dissolving the parliament and assuming control over the judiciary in 2021. While Saied defends his actions as necessary to combat corruption and instability, opposition groups label these moves as a coup against democratic institutions. The EU's stance reflects broader international concerns about Tunisia's political trajectory, particularly as Italy leads efforts to address migration issues in partnership with Tunisia. The situation remains fluid, with the upcoming elections serving as a critical test for the country's democratic integrity.