Tunisia Limits Court Power Over Election Body Days Before Presidential Election

Tunisia’s parliament amended a law on Friday, taking away the courts’ power over the country’s election authority, nine days before presidential elections. The election body, Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE), is appointed by President Kais Saied. So, the move sparked outrage among opposition and civil society groups, who accuse Saied of trying to influence the process to secure a second term.

There is a rising tension between the courts and the ISIE. The judiciary recently ordered ISIE to reinstate three disqualified presidential candidates. ISIE refused, citing incomplete campaign filings. During the parliamentary debate on Friday, some lawmakers accused the judiciary of acting on behalf of foreign interests. However, critics say the recent move favours Saied because it leaves him with little-known opponents, one of whom is in jail. Businessman Ayachi Zammel and parliament member Zouhair Maghzaoui are the only remaining challengers. Zammel is currently in prison on election fraud charges.

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