Crackdown on Candidates and Migrants in Tunisia and Algeria's Election Run-up

The upcoming elections in Tunisia and Algeria have been marked by crackdowns on candidates and migrants, dominating the run-up to the elections. In Tunisia, despite court rulings, only 3 candidates have been approved, with accusations against President Kais Saied of consolidating power and repressing dissent.

The Independent Electoral Commission for Elections (ISIE) has approved candidates, despite concerns about its lack of independence. The parliamentary election in 2021 saw a record low turnout.

The Tunisian Forum warns of undoing the gains of the Arab Spring. In Algeria, the incumbent Abdelmadjid Tebboune is expected to be reconfirmed as president, despite two other candidates running.

The election follows the 2019 Hirak protests, which led to a crackdown on dissent and condemnation from Amnesty International. The outcomes of these elections will have significant implications for the political landscape in both countries.

Additionally, a €1 billion EU deal with Tunisia has led to a significant drop in migration to Italy. The crackdowns on candidates and the repression of dissent raise concerns about the state of democracy and human rights in the region.