Tunisia: Potential Presidential Candidates Jailed, Banned From Upcoming Election
The Facts
A court in Tunisia on Monday sentenced four potential opposition contenders — Abdel Latif Mekki, Adel Dou, Judge Mourad Massoudi, and Nizar Chaari — to eight months in prison and banned them from the Oct. 6 presidential election on charges of vote buying.
This comes as potential presidential candidate Lotfi Mraihi was also sentenced to eight months in prison and barred from running for office last month on a vote-buying charge.
The Spin
Narrative A
While Tunisia is still far from a democracy, the current geopolitical landscape offers opportunities for Pres. Saied to gradually grow closer to the free world. Bright spots include the country's recent migrant deal with Italy and military training agreement with the US. As Russia and China seek more influence over Africa, Saied is an important ally worth keeping in the long term. If Saied continues to attack human rights, however, the West may have to shift gears.
Narrative B
Tunisia is too complex for outsiders to understand. Polls from earlier this year suggest that while 55% of Tunisians reject authoritarianism, 51% also reject the idea of a pluralistic parliamentary system, with a staggering 70% showing support for the president. The country is also divided among Muslim and secular groups, both of whom appear to reject the idea of Sharia law. Tunisians should certainly vote to figure out what system they want, but it's up to them and no one else.