Tunis, Tunisia — Amidst escalating political tensions, Tunisia’s prominent labor organization, the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT), has openly criticized a controversial amendment to the nation’s electoral laws, introduced merely two weeks ahead of the presidential election. The proposed change, which involves significantly altering the judicial oversight of elections, has sparked widespread condemnation among various sectors of Tunisian civil society.
UGTT’s Secretary-General, Noureddine Taboubi, expressed strong disapproval of the amendment, categorically demanding a halt to what he described as an unacceptable alteration to the electoral framework. Echoing his concerns, Hatem Mziou, the president of Tunisia’s Bar Association, also lambasted the proposal for its questionable form and content, highlighting a growing unease with the country’s political trajectory.
The contentious bill, introduced by Tunisian legislators last Friday, seeks to strip the administrative court of its role in deciding electoral disputes. Should the amendment pass, all election-related complaints would need to be filed within a tight 48-hour window to either intermediate or high courts, which traditionally handle general appellate cases rather than specialized administrative disputes.
This legislative push occurs against the backdrop of an increasingly repressive environment, characterized by the arrest of at least 97 opposition figures this month alone, as reported by Amnesty International. Allegations also abound regarding the government’s efforts to undercut the judiciary’s independence, a move that has triggered international human rights groups to form a committee advocating for the preservation of freedoms in Tunisia.
UGTT, which wields considerable influence within Tunisia, has previously taken the country’s Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE) to task. The union criticized ISIE for disregarding a court order to reinstate three presidential candidates, accusing it of violating judicial and electoral integrity. The union’s recent statements reiterate its call for ISIE to adhere to legal norms and ensure a fair electoral process.
The erosion of judicial independence has been an escalating issue since President Kais Saied assumed office, with numerous observers noting a significant shift towards increased executive power at the expense of judicial autonomy. This trend raises concerns about the overall health of democratic governance in Tunisia.
As the election nears, the international community, along with local stakeholders, closely monitors these developments, which are poised to have far-reaching consequences for Tunisia’s democratic systems. The unfolding situation serves as a critical test of the country’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and respecting democratic processes, essential for nurturing public trust and ensuring political stability in the region.