TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) — Tunisia’s main opposition coalition said Tuesday it won’t take part in the North African country’s upcoming presidential election unless President Kais Saied’s political opponents are freed and judicial independence is restored.
More than 20 political opponents have been charged or imprisoned since Saied consolidated power in 2021 by suspending parliament and rewriting the country’s constitution. Voters weary of political and economic turmoil approved his constitutional changes in a 2021 referendum with low turnout.
Saied is widely expected to run in the presidential election, likely to take place in September or October. It is unclear if anyone will challenge him.
The National Salvation Front, a coalition of the main opposition parties including once-powerful Islamist movement Ennahdha, expressed concern that the election wouldn’t be fair, and laid out its conditions for presenting a candidate.
‘The Blue Angels,’ filmed for IMAX, puts viewers in the ‘box’ with the elite flying squad
Kiwi musicians boycott US festival SXSW due to defence industry sponsors
Tarata Road gravel fix plan raises ire of small Taranaki community
Scientists find 'devastating' coral bleaching in Great Barrier Reef's far north
Justin Timberlake set to bring his The Forget Tomorrow World Tour to Australia in 2025
Opportunities Party leader Raf Manji resigns
Free lunch scheme has made 'huge difference' for Wainuiomata school
Police, iwi and gangs hold hui after rugby club van shot at
Everybody may love Raymond, but Ray Romano loves Peter Boyle
Moscow attack: Russian court charges four men with act of terrorism