Tunisia's president celebrates with supporters: Video
Tunisian President Kais Saied has been projected as winner of the just-ended polls in the country with over 89% of the vote, according to exit polls.
The results were announced after polls closed on October 8, despite a low voter turnout of just 27.7%. Saied's main challengers, imprisoned rival Ayachi Zammel and Zouhair Maghzaoui, are expected to receive only 6.9% and 3.9% of the vote, respectively, according to polling group Sigma Conseil.
Supporters of Saied celebrated his likely landslide victory, chanting slogans such as "People want Kais Saied back!" as they gathered in the streets.
Saied, 66, has maintained strong support despite widespread concerns about his 2021 power grab, which led to his control over Tunisia’s political system.
Rights groups have expressed fears that Saied's re-election will further empower his rule, pushing Tunisia away from the democracy it became after the Arab Spring uprisings.
Tunisia, once seen as a success story for democracy in the region, has experienced significant political changes since Saied’s initial election in 2019.
Despite criticism, Saied's supporters view his re-election as an opportunity to rebuild the country. They see his leadership as essential in navigating Tunisia’s ongoing economic and political challenges.
