Tunisia passes law to strip courts of power over election authority

Tunisia’s parliament on Friday amended a law that removes the power of courts to overturn decisions made by the embattled election authority, whose members are appointed by President Kais Saied.

With just nine days before the presidential election, a majority of parliamentarians voted to amend the country’s first election law, while the election authority remained at odds with courts demanding it reinstates three candidates left off the ballot.

The move sparked outrage from opposition and civil society groups, who claimed the election authority was working in tandem with Saied to minimize competition in his bid for a second term.

According to Africanews, protesters demonstrated outside parliament throughout Friday, condemning the new law.

Tunisia, which became the first country to overthrow an authoritarian leader during the Arab Spring, has since held two presidential elections deemed democratic by observers. However, this year’s election has been marred by conflict between the courts and the Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE).

ISIE came under fire after it defied a court ruling ordering it to reinstate three potential challengers to Saied, arguing that the candidates’ campaign filings were incomplete.

Before the vote, members of parliament accused the court of lacking neutrality, with some claiming its judges were serving foreign interests, echoing rhetoric President Saied has often used against his critics.

Throughout his presidency, Saied has frequently accused civil society and opposition groups critical of his governance of serving foreign interests.

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