Tunisians Rally Against Saied’s Regime Amid Escalating Political Tensions

Hundreds of Tunisians protested against President Kais Saied on Sunday, accusing him of deepening authoritarian rule and suppressing political competition two weeks before a presidential election. Protesters marched along Tunis' main avenue, a key site in the 2011 'Arab Spring', amid heavy police presence, demanding the fall of Saied's regime.

Hundreds of Tunisians gathered to protest against President Kais Saied on Sunday, accusing him of deepening authoritarian rule and suppressing political competition just two weeks before a crucial presidential election.

Amid a heavy police presence, the demonstrators marched along Tunis' main avenue, a historical focal point of the 2011 'Arab Spring' revolution, chanting slogans such as 'The people want the fall of the regime' and 'Out with dictator Saied'. This protest followed a controversial move by lawmakers to propose a bill stripping the administrative court of its power to adjudicate electoral disputes, which the opposition believes would undermine the legitimacy of the upcoming election on October 6 and aid Saied in securing a second term.

Political tensions have surged in the North African nation after an electoral commission, appointed by Saied, disqualified three prominent presidential candidates. The administrative court, the highest judicial body in election-related disputes, opposed this move, but the commission proceeded to allow only two candidates to compete against Saied. One candidate, Ayachi Zammel, is currently jailed for falsifying election paperwork in a case he claims is politically motivated. Critics argue that Saied is using both the electoral commission and the judiciary to stifle competition and intimidate rivals, although Saied denies these allegations, asserting that he is combating traitors, mercenaries, and corrupt elements.

(With inputs from agencies.)