Mass Arrests of Opposition Leaders Spark Protests in Tunisia Ahead of Elections

As Tunisia’s presidential election draws near, the country’s largest opposition party, Ennahdha, reported that over 80 of its members have been arrested in what it calls an “unprecedented campaign” of repression.

Rabat – As Tunisia’s presidential election draws near, the country’s largest opposition party, Ennahdha, reported that over 80 of its members have been arrested in what it calls an “unprecedented campaign” of repression.

Thousands of Tunisians took to the streets of the capital, Tunis, on Friday, accusing President Kais Saied of cracking down on opposition ahead of the October 6 election.

The arrests, which include high-ranking officials and at least six women, come amid accusations that Saied’s administration is using intimidation tactics to secure his re-election.

Opposition parties, human rights groups, and politicians have decried the actions as part of a broader effort to undermine free elections. Ennahdha leader Rached Ghannouchi’s daughter, Yusra Ghannouchi, stated that more than 100 party members have been detained, including activists in their 70s.

Protests erupted across Tunis as demonstrators chanted slogans such as “Out with dictator Saied” and “No fear, no terror, streets belong to the people.” The protesters demanded the release of all political prisoners and journalists who have criticized the president’s policies.

Earlier in the month, opposition candidate Ayachi Zammel, one of only two contenders challenging Saied, was arrested on charges of falsifying voter signatures, a move his legal team claims is aimed at eliminating him from the race.

The president, who has been governing by decree since dissolving parliament in 2021, denies the accusations, claiming his actions are aimed at combating corruption and protecting the nation from “traitors.”