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.
Xi Replies to Letter from Philadelphia Orchestra CEO
China endeavors to build characteristic towns
Villagers rehearse dragon and lion dance in Andi Village, Shanxi
Progressive prosecutor in Portland, Oregon, seeks to fend off tough
Tighter U.S. chip curbs prompting concerns
Coal production in China reach historic highs last year
20th Shambhala Tourism Festival kicks off in Gansu
Election 2024: Nikki Haley faces a key decision on whether or not to endorse Trump
Nuclear power plant operator sanguine on renewable energy
Australia as Bangladesh vow to boost trade as foreign ministers meet in Dhaka
China's Spring Festival box office record spirals upward