Politics Tunisia's presidential election: Saied's victory is considered certain

The third presidential election since the mass protests of 2011 has begun in Tunisia, accompanied by criticism of allegedly undemocratic procedures. This time, incumbent Kais Saied is running against two candidates, one of whom is in prison. Serious contenders have been ruled out in the run-up to the election.

The opposition, human rights activists and observers therefore have serious doubts that the election will be conducted according to fair and free principles. In their opinion, Saied's victory for a further five-year term of office therefore seems virtually certain.

More than nine million people in the Mediterranean country have been called upon to cast their votes, as reported by the state agency TAP. The results are to be announced by Wednesday.

Tunisians are particularly concerned about the high unemployment rate of 16 percent, high inflation and accusations of corruption within the government.

The ongoing erosion of the rule of law and democratic principles in the country is "alarming and frightening", said Bassem Trifi, President of the Tunisian human rights organization LTDH.

SDA