Tunisia's election campaigning begins quietly as boycotts, apathy prevail
A dull atmosphere shrouds Tunisia’s legislative elections slated for Dec. 17 amidst a boycott announced by many political parties to protest President Kais Saied.
TUNIS, Tunisia — The electoral campaign in Tunisia has kicked off in a dull atmosphere, with many political parties announcing their boycott of the upcoming legislative elections. Unlike previous rounds, banners, slogans, and photos of candidates are not draping the sides of buildings or cluttering the streets this year.
The campaign, which was launched Nov. 25, is to continue until Dec. 15. Voters will head to the polls on Dec. 17, according to the schedule set by the Independent High Authority for Elections.
Election spokesman Mohamed Tlili Mnasri told Al-Monitor that 1,100 agents from the authority have been assigned to observe the candidates’ activities, or seven for each electoral district. Parliament now has 161 electoral districts instead of the previous 217.
On Sept. 15, Tunisian President Kais Saied issued amendments to the 2014 electoral law. The new law allows voters to choose candidates individually instead of selecting a single party list. It also allows the impeachment of a lawmaker by a decision of 10 constituents to withdraw their confidence.
