By Ebi Kesiena
The leader of Tunisia’s primary opposition coalition has stated that their group will not hesitate from withdrawing its participation in the forthcoming presidential election unless specific conditions, which he referred to as prerequisites for fair elections, are fulfilled.
Ahmed Nejib Chebbi laid out the National Salvation front’s prerequisites for presenting a candidate.
According to Chebbi, some of its conditions include allowing the Ennahdha political party to reopen its headquarters, guaranteeing the independence of the electoral commission and freeing imprisoned politicians.
Recall that Ennahdha’s headquarters was shut down a year ago, and its leader Rached Ghannouchi a former parliament speaker was sentenced to 15 months in prison on charges of glorifying terrorism.
His supporters say the charge is politically driven.
Political situation in Tunisia
More than 20 political opponents have been charged or detained since President Kaies Saied consolidated power in 2021 by suspending parliament which was dominated by the opposition.
He went on to change the country’s Constitution through a referendum the following year.
Under the constitutional changes, he introduced the clause that says the President can appoint members of the electoral authority as well as magistrates.
Saied, a former law professor is expected to run in the Presidential election, even though he hasn’t announced his candidacy.
Meanwhile, the election date remains unknown but is believed to take place sometime in October this year.
