Tunisia heads to the polls this weekend amid street fatigue and a broad boycott by key political forces. The Maghreb nation marks parliamentary elections after a lengthy period—approximately a year and a half—in which parliament was not in session. These votes constitute the final step in a national roadmap pursued by the president, Kais Saied, who has concentrated power across several months. Many political parties, spanning a range of ideologies, refuse participation, arguing that the process signals an authoritarian drift. On the streets, turnout is notably low, reflecting public weariness with the political process.
In September, Saied pushed through a controversial reform of the electoral law without broad consensus. The changes replaced party-list dynamics with single-member districts, and removed the requirement that electoral lists reflect a minimum level of political diversity. Critics, including feminist groups and civil society organizations, joined the boycott, arguing that the reform further sidelines opposition voices. This push for change is part of a broader pattern that began in the summer of 2021, when the president froze Parliament and dismissed the prime minister, a sequence of moves that culminated in a constitutional reform voted on in July amid questions about legitimacy and with low turnout. The reforms have left many observers uncertain about the future balance of power in Tunisian politics. (Source attribution: political analysis desk)
non-election environment
“There is no electoral atmosphere on the streets,” notes Bosco Govantes, a political science professor at Pablo de Olavide University in Seville. He explains that most citizens do not feel connected to the candidates or their platforms. Govantes says the upcoming vote appears to carry little relevance, portraying Parliament as a body likely to lack real influence even if elected. The narrative of an expanding authoritarian front is shaping perceptions of the electoral process and raises doubts about the practical weight of whatever legislature arises. (Source attribution: academic commentary)
Saied rose to the presidency in 2019, presenting himself as an outsider and challenging the political trajectory followed since the 2000s. He framed his mission as a correction of what he views as distortions rooted in the post-Arab Spring period and the era of Ben Ali. His critics argue that the president is consolidating power at the expense of established political parties, while his supporters contend that a reboot is necessary to restore order and reforms after years of instability. The central question remains whether these steps amount to meaningful governance or a reconfiguration of authority at the top. (Source attribution: constitutional politics brief)
Election choices unfold within a difficult economic and social environment. The country’s economy has strained under the weight of the COVID-19 pandemic, the rebound challenges of tourism, and the broader disruptions linked to a global context marked by inflation and ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Those pressures have tightened household budgets and raised concerns about everyday affordability. In addition, shortages of essential goods have appeared in markets, fueling public demonstrations that call for accountability and leadership reform. The convergence of economic strain and political polarization helps explain the mood surrounding this election and the broad hesitancy to participate fully. (Source attribution: regional economics review)