The Tunisian Workers’ Union (UGTT) and the Tunisian Association of Constitutional Law (ATDC) have publicly criticized the Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE) for rejecting an administrative court’s ruling that reinstated three presidential candidates. Described as a significant threat to the values of the Tunisian Republic, this decision has ignited concerns among key national organizations. Local media reported on Tuesday that the workers’ union denounced the decision as a “serious historical precedent” and warned it could impact the election results.
The ATDC emphasized that while the ISIE is responsible for overseeing free and transparent elections, it must still comply with the administrative court’s supervision. The legal framework does not grant the electoral commission an exclusive mandate over the election process, and judicial rulings must be respected. The association’s statement reiterated the need for compliance with the rule of law.
The criticized decision involves the exclusion of candidates Mondher Znaidi and Abdellatif Elmekki from the presidential race, despite an administrative court ruling in their favor. The ISIE argued that it had not received the court’s ruling within the required 48-hour period and cited ongoing criminal cases, including allegations of falsified sponsorships, as additional reasons for their exclusion. However, the ATDC pointed out that the Administrative Court had asserted in a press release on September 2 that the operative part of the decisions was communicated promptly.
The ATDC further warned that ignoring the court’s ruling could undermine the integrity of the electoral process and erode public trust, potentially jeopardizing political stability. The association has called on all participants in the electoral process to adhere strictly to the rule of law, placing the nation’s higher interest above all other considerations.