The “Committee for Justice” has released its first weekly newsletter on monitoring the Tunisian presidential elections, as part of its “Right to Free Elections” initiative. This newsletter covers the electoral process’s events and practices for the period from July 29th to August 8th, 2024.
The newsletter highlights recent developments in the Tunisian presidential election process, focusing on significant violations of civil and political rights, as well as breaches of electoral law. It emphasizes the ongoing challenges faced by candidates and the actions taken by the authorities that undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
The newsletter draws attention to the large number of withdrawals during the candidacy phase, due to obstacles imposed by the Tunisian authorities on potential candidates. According to the latest data from the Independent High Authority for Elections, 114 individuals withdrew from the process of collecting popular endorsements, 93% of whom were men and 7% women.
Additionally, the newsletter details key violations of electoral law and international democratic standards committed by the Tunisian authorities, including:
- Intimidation of Presidential Candidates and Campaign Teams Through Arrests, Summonses, and Judicial Harassment: Many potential candidates have faced harassment, with several being summoned to the Economic Research Unit in El Gorjani, including Abdul Latif Al-Makki, Judge Mourad Massoudi, and Al-Assad Obeid. The Summer Criminal Chamber of the Tunis Primary Court also issued eight-month prison sentences and permanent bans on running for elections against six potential presidential candidates. The arbitrary actions against Abir Moussi, head of the Free Destourian Party, were also highlighted.
- Withdrawal of Presidential Candidates from the Election Race: Potential candidate Nizar Chaari announced his withdrawal from the presidential race in a statement on his official page, citing “obstacles and injustices” faced by his campaign. Judge Mourad Massoudi also announced his withdrawal, despite meeting the legal requirements for candidacy, describing his decision as a protest against the ongoing judicial harassment faced by his campaign teams. Retired Admiral Kamel Akrout likewise stated that he would not submit his candidacy for the upcoming presidential elections on October 6th, citing “the ruling powers’ strategy to exclude any opposing voices.”
- Refusal to Issue Criminal Record Certificates: This has been confirmed by several potential candidates, including Emad Al-Daimi, Nizar Chaari, former Minister Moncef Al-Zenaidi, and retired Admiral Kamel Akrout. These cases indicate systematic obstacles from the Ministry of Interior and relevant authorities in issuing the necessary documents (Certificate No. 3) required for candidacy, which points to a violation of candidates’ rights to run for office, political discrimination, lack of transparency, and non-compliance with legal procedures, undermining the integrity of the electoral process.
The newsletter concluded by emphasizing that the events of the past week highlight the numerous challenges and violations facing the Tunisian presidential elections. Arbitrary arrests, judicial harassment, refusal to provide essential documents, and allegations of vote-buying all point to serious issues that threaten the integrity of the electoral process. Therefore, the international community and local stakeholders must remain vigilant and advocate for fair and democratic elections in Tunisia.
