The Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT) has condemned the legislative amendment to the electoral laws submitted just 15 days before the presidential elections. On Saturday, UGTT’s Secretary General Noureddine Taboubi voiced strong opposition to the changes in a letter published by their media outlet, Echaabnews, calling the amendment unacceptable and demanding it to be halted. The President of Tunisia’s Bar Association, Hatem Mziou, has similarly denounced the proposal, terming it “an unacceptable proposal in form and content.”
The proposed legislation, submitted by Tunisian lawmakers the day before, aims to overhaul the country’s election oversight mechanisms. Critics argue this diminishes the power of Tunisia’s independent administrative court, which traditionally adjudicates election-related disputes. Under the new amendments, disputes would be redirected to intermediate or high courts. Lawmakers have justified this move, however, opposition from several quarters remains strong.
This development occurs within a climate of increasing governmental crackdown on dissent. Amnesty International reports that at least 97 opposition figures were arrested earlier this month. There are concerns among human rights organizations about the erosion of judicial autonomy, prompting the formation of an international committee advocating for freedoms in Tunisia. Amnesty International and other human rights entities have voiced significant concerns.
UGTT has also criticized the Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE) for undermining court decisions, notably regarding the rejection and reinstatement of presidential candidates. They have urged the ISIE to uphold judicial respect and electoral integrity. Previous criticisms of the election authority have not been unprecedented.
Since the election of President Kais Saied, concerns regarding judicial independence and executive authority in Tunisia have grown. Saied’s tenure has seen increased executive control, creating an adverse effect on the balance of power within the country. Tunisa labor union’s denouncement of the new electoral law comes against this broader backdrop.