Tunisian Court Reinstates Prominent Candidates in Presidential Race

The Tunisian Administrative Court has reinstated prominent candidate Mondher Znaidi, allowing him to re-enter the upcoming presidential race. This decision follows the court's earlier ruling in favor of Abdellatif Mekki. The rulings are expected to add momentum to the election and challenge President Kais Saied's bid for a second term.

The Tunisian Administrative Court has upheld the appeal of prominent candidate Mondher Znaidi, allowing him to rejoin the presidential race on Oct. 6. This marks the second such ruling this week, restoring momentum to an election that is becoming increasingly competitive for current President Kais Saied.

Earlier this week, the court also reinstated Abdellatif Mekki, who had been disqualified by the electoral commission. Judicial official Faycel Bouguera confirmed that Thursday's decision is final and not subject to appeal.

Znaidi, a former minister in the Ben Ali administration, intends to unify Tunisia and end the divisions fostered during Saied's and the Islamist rule post-revolution. He aims to attract votes from both Saied dissenters and supporters of the former regime. Additionally, Znaidi joins a list of accepted candidates including current President Saied, Ayachi Zammel, Zouhair Maghzaoui, and Abdelattif Mekki.

Opposition parties accuse the electoral commission of bias and arbitrary restrictions aimed at ensuring Saied's re-election—a claim the commission denies. Saied, who dissolved parliament and took executive control in 2021, stated he would not hand over the country to 'non-patriots'.

(With inputs from agencies.)