The Undermining of Tunisia’s Democracy Under Kais Saied
Kais Saied’s presidency marks a regression in Tunisian democracy, characterized by a repressive re-election environment, diminished civil liberties, and justice system manipulation. His populist rhetoric excludes dissenting voices, while conspiratorial narratives distract from government failures. Saied’s immigration policies have escalated racial tensions, with Western complicity enabling his authoritarian approach. This analysis critiques the erosion of democracy and the hypocrisy of international responses.
The Tunisian presidential election of 6 October was characterized by an oppressive political climate aimed at ensuring the re-election of Kais Saied. The government, parliament, judicial bodies, and electoral commission were all mobilized to support his candidacy. In my book, “Our Friend Kais Saied, Essay on Tunisian Democracy,” I explore the return of authoritarianism under Saied, the erosion of civil liberties, and the complicity of both local and international actors in fostering autocracy in Tunisia.
Political scientist Mohamed Sahbi Khalfaoui aptly summarizes Kais Saied’s nature, stating, “Kais Saied is not a populist; Kais Saied is a textbook of populism.” Saied’s ideology aligns with Dutch scholar Cas Mudde’s populist definition, which divides society into the ‘pure people’ and the ‘corrupt elite,’ asserting that politics should reflect the will of the people. However, Saied restricts this concept of ‘people’ to those who agree with him, ignoring dissenting citizens despite their majority.
During a 2022 online public consultation for reforms, the proposal for a new constitution failed to secure majority support, receiving just 36% of votes. Nonetheless, Saied publicly opted for this minority-backed proposal, enacting it into law. This biased consultation involved only 534,915 participants, representing a mere 5% of the entire electorate. Even the constitutional referendum on 25 July 2022, where an overwhelming “yes” garnered 94.5% support, translated to only 28.5% of eligible voters.
On 25 July 2021, Saied announced “exceptional measures,” which included freezing parliamentary proceedings and dismissing Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi, indicating his intent to control the judiciary. Though he has not overtly taken direct control, Saied has systematically eroded judicial independence. By reducing the judiciary to a mere function of government, he has effectively established a mechanism to suppress opposition and instill fear among the populace.
Since 25 July 2021, the most alarming regression in Tunisia’s democracy is the state’s subjugation of the judiciary. Judges find themselves at the mercy of both the executive branch and security forces, which threaten their careers. Despite some judges showing resistance, the prevailing atmosphere of intimidation undermines the essential independence required for judicial integrity.
Saied heavily utilizes conspiracy theories to solidify his grip on power, leading to a pervasive sense of paranoia among citizens. This tactic distracts from governmental accountability and portrays an image of a united populace against a common enemy. By framing socio-economic challenges as conspiratorial, Saied successfully diverts blame away from his regime while enacting authoritarian policies.
The migration crisis has historically posed challenges for Tunisian administrations, but Saied’s handling has shifted dramatically towards racial tensions and discrimination. By invoking the “great replacement theory,” he has intensified social divisions, using migrants as scapegoats for the regime’s shortcomings. This policy not only targets vulnerable populations but also has garnered covert approval from European authorities.
Following events on 7 October 2023, Western reactions have demonstrated a troubling alignment with authoritarian regimes. By prioritizing civilizational narratives, Western leaders and media have overlooked the oppressive tactics employed by Saied, choosing instead to focus solely on external conflicts. This hypocrisy undermines the principles of liberal democracy and allows dictators to justify their actions under the guise of geopolitical concerns.
The text discusses the political landscape in Tunisia, focusing on Kais Saied’s re-election under oppressive circumstances and the decline of democracy in the country. Saied’s governance style, influenced by populism, serves to exclude dissenting voices while manipulating public perception through conspiracy theories and racial scapegoating. The article also critiques Western responses to Saied’s autocratic measures, particularly how they have neglected human rights concerns in favor of broader geopolitical narratives.
The examination of Kais Saied’s presidency reveals a systematic dismantling of democratic principles in Tunisia, marked by the subversion of popular will and the erosion of judicial independence. By employing tactics grounded in populism and conspiracy theories, Saied has framed dissent as a threat while reinforcing his authoritarian regime. Furthermore, the complicity of international actors in ignoring these violations reflects a concerning shift in the defense of democratic values on a global scale.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
