Tunisia is gearing up for a presidential election on October 6, with President Kais Saied‘s office confirming the date on Tuesday. It remains uncertain whether Saied will seek a new five-year term following his initial election in 2019.

Saied, known for his expertise in constitutional matters, took full control of the country in 2021. He governed through decrees after removing the prime minister and parliament, which led to the imprisonment of many of his critics.

He successfully introduced a new constitution via a referendum in 2022, establishing a presidential system alongside a parliament with limited powers.

A statement from Saied’s office on July 2, 2024, announced the summoning of voters for the upcoming presidential election scheduled for Sunday, October 6, 2024.

The political upheaval caused by his consolidation of power has severely impacted Tunisia’s economy, with a 15% unemployment rate and approximately four million citizens out of the country’s population of 12 million living in poverty.

Moreover, a crackdown on the media has resulted in the prosecution of over 60 journalists, lawyers, and political opponents, according to the National Union of Tunisian Journalists.

In a surprising move in May, Saied replaced the ministers of interior and social affairs following a series of arrests targeting human rights activists, lawyers, and journalists.

Efforts to secure a $2 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund have stalled since the power seizure in 2021, as Saied has refused to implement the reforms requested by the organization.

However, in June, the European Investment Bank unveiled grants and loans totalling 450 million euros ($480 million) to support infrastructure projects and small to medium-sized enterprises.

The crisis has driven thousands of Tunisians to embark on perilous boat journeys across the Mediterranean in search of better opportunities in Europe.