Kais Saied’s presidency in Tunisia has undermined democratic institutions through oppressive political tactics, a manipulated electoral process, and the erosion of judicial independence. His approach reflects classic populist tactics, focusing on conspiracy narratives and scapegoating migration issues while receiving muted responses from Western nations. This consolidation of power compromises Tunisia’s democratic experience and poses risks to civil liberties.
The Tunisian presidential election held on 6 October occurred under a severely oppressive political atmosphere, aimed at ensuring the re-election of incumbent Kais Saied. This led to a critical examination of how his administration has fostered authoritarianism and curtailed civil liberties, as explored in the book “Our Friend Kais Saied, Essay on Tunisian Democracy.”
Political scientist Mohamed Sahbi Khalfaoui describes Saied as embodying the essence of populism, noting that his approach aligns with Dutch scholar Cas Mudde’s definition of populism, which divides society into ‘the pure people’ and ‘the corrupt elite.’ Saied’s rhetoric reflects this in his slogan “the people want,” yet his version of ‘the people’ represents only his supporters, not the broader majority.
In 2022, an online consultation for reforms saw only 36% favor a new constitution. Despite a minimal voter turnout of 5%, Saied implemented the option that represented a minority choice. In the constitutional referendum of July 2022, a claimed 94.5% approval became misleading when considered against an overall electoral base, marking a significant disregard for the democratic process.
Since July 2021, following the suspension of parliamentary activities, Saied effectively attempted to control the judiciary by undermining its independence. This move increased governmental power over judicial functions, instilling a sense of terror within civil society while judges faced coercive measures from both state and security forces with little resistance.
Saied’s rhetoric often revolves around conspiracy theories, framing the government’s actions as necessary against assumed threats to national integrity. This strategy serves to distract from socio-economic failures and unites certain citizens around Saied’s leadership under a perceived siege mentality.
The migration crisis has become a focal point for racial tensions, with Saied adopting the “great replacement theory,” which unjustly scapegoats vulnerable groups for societal issues. This shift in narrative aligns with far-right ideologies, painting migrants as opponents to national interests amidst candid support from Western authorities ignoring associated human rights violations.
Post-7 October 2023, Western reactions have highlighted a troubling lack of accountability regarding Saied’s violations of democratic norms. Discussions about civil society and human rights were overshadowed by a singular focus on external conflicts, demonstrating Western hypocrisy which undermines the advocacy for liberal democracy and human rights globally.
Kais Saied’s tenure as President of Tunisia has raised significant concerns regarding the deterioration of democracy in the country. Originally seen as a reformer post-Arab Spring, Saied has increasingly centralized authority, undermined judicial independence, and marginalized political dissent. The assessment of his leadership, particularly through elections and referendums, reveals a troubling trend towards authoritarianism and a dismissal of civil liberties. Academic critiques underscore his use of populist rhetoric and conspiracy theories to consolidate power and divert blame from governance failures, especially concerning migration issues and social crises, prompting scrutiny from civil society and international observers.
Kais Saied’s presidency reflects a disturbing regression of Tunisia’s democratic principles, characterized by manipulation of electoral processes, erosion of judicial independence, and the propagation of divisive conspiracies. His selective interpretation of the will of the people allows for the suppression of dissent, while issues such as migration are exploited to reinforce nationalistic sentiments. The negligence of Western powers in holding Saied accountable further complicates the prospects for restoring a democratic framework in Tunisia, highlighting the global implications of local governance practices.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
