October 6th Set for Tunisia’s Presidential Election

Tunisia is preparing for a presidential election on October 6, 2024, after President Kais Saied’s power consolidation in 2021. Saied, a constitutional expert, assumed control through decrees and introduced a new constitution in 2022.

The election is scheduled for October 6. The current political unrest has led to a 15% unemployment rate and four million people facing poverty.

A crackdown on the media has led to the prosecution of more than 60 journalists, lawyers, and political opponents. Following arrests targeting activists, lawyers, and journalists, Saied replaced the interior and social affairs ministers in May.

Efforts to secure a $2 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund have stalled due to Saied’s reluctance to implement reforms. Nonetheless, the European Investment Bank has provided grants and loans to support infrastructure projects and small to medium-sized businesses.