Election Observer Clash: Tunisia and Civil Society at Odds

Electoral officials in Tunisia have refused accreditation to some civil society groups due to suspicious foreign funding, prompting claims that the October presidential election won't be free and fair. The Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE) and President Kais Saied have faced criticism for alleged political bias and dismissals of court orders.

Election officials in Tunisia have doubled down on their decision to deny accreditation to some election observer groups, stating the move indicates that the October presidential contest will not be free and fair.

The Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE) said in a statement that several civil society groups which applied for accreditation had received foreign funding from suspicious origins, prompting the need to deny them observer status.

ISIE did not explicitly name the groups, but it did send formal allegations against two specific groups to Tunisia's public prosecutor. These groups, I-Watch and Mourakiboun, have denied the claims and criticized ISIE's actions as a distraction from its alleged legal violations.

Under President Kais Saied, NGOs have increasingly been targeted, with accusations of having nefarious motives and being influenced by foreign entities critical of his governance style. Some targeted groups have opposed authorities' decisions to arrest potential candidates and bar others from running.

In response, I-Watch's Siwar Gmati told The Associated Press that any foreign funding received was in line with Tunisian law and transparently disclosed. Financial disclosures on I-Watch's website show funding from international organizations such as Transparency International and the European Union.

Critics accuse ISIE of lacking independence and acting in favor of the president, an issue highlighted by its controversial selection of only three candidates for the presidential race, including Saied himself, ignoring a court order to reinstate barred candidates.

The ongoing conflict between Tunisia and election observer groups is the latest controversy to mar this year's election season. Post-Arab Spring, Tunisia was praised for its democratic elections, but recent actions under Saied's administration question its democratic credentials.

(With inputs from agencies.)