As part of its ongoing monitoring of the 2024 Tunisian presidential elections, the Committee for Justice (CFJ) has released its weekly bulletin covering the period from September 20 to 26, 2024. This bulletin highlights the latest developments related to the electoral process, including legal and human rights violations observed, challenges faced by the candidates, and the actions taken by authorities that have impacted the fairness of the elections.
– Proposed amendment to the electoral law:
A draft law to amend the Electoral and Referendum Code has been submitted by 34 members of the Tunisian Parliament, with an urgent request for consideration. The proposed amendment aims to transfer electoral disputes from the Administrative Court to the Court of Appeal in Tunis and includes provisions allowing its application to ongoing disputes concerning the 2024 presidential elections.
– Rejection of speech recording for detained presidential candidate Ayachi Zammel:
Tunisian television refused to record a free speech from detained presidential candidate Ayachi Zammel, citing the need for the candidate’s physical presence in accordance with electoral laws. This decision sparked debate over the rights of detained candidates.
– Protests against president Kais Saied:
Mass protests were held in the Tunisian capital against President Kais Saied, with demonstrators accusing him of consolidating authoritarian rule ahead of the presidential elections.
– Pressure on journalists at the Tunisian News Agency:
The Tunisian Journalists’ Union condemned the ongoing pressures on journalists at the official Tunisian News Agency, including interference in news content and persistent restrictions on journalists.
– Ongoing judicial restrictions:
The Gafsa Court sentenced presidential candidate Ayachi Zammel to six months in prison on charges of document forgery. This is the second ruling against him within a week. Additionally, the public prosecutor’s office ordered an investigation into former presidential candidate Mondher Znaidi on suspicion of conspiring against state security, following his release of videos on social media.
– Accusations against Kais Saied for misusing state resources:
The watchdog organization “I Watch” accused President Kais Saied of exploiting state resources for his election campaign, claiming that he used his position to offer facilities and grants in support of his campaign projects.
These developments highlight the complex environment surrounding the Tunisian elections and raise serious questions about the integrity of the electoral process, given the numerous violations and challenges it faces.
