On Tuesday, a court in Tunisia announced that it had granted the appeal of a prospective presidential candidate, Abdellatif Mekki, leader of the Islamist-inspired Ennahdha movement and currently heading the Amal w Injaz party, whose bid had previously been rejected.
He was one of the 14 candidates initially rejected by the election board. This latest decision allows him to participate in the election on October 6.
“The appeal of Mekki has been approved,” said Faycel Bouguerra, spokesperson for the administrative court, in a statement to national radio Mosaique FM. He confirmed that the court’s decision “is definitive”.
Mekki will join two other candidates—former parliament member Zouhair Maghzaoui, 59, and Azimoun leader Ayachi Zammel—in challenging incumbent President Kais Saied.
The High Independent Authority for Elections (ISIE) declined to comment on whether Mekki, a former health minister, would re-enter the race. The ISIE will announce the final list of presidential candidates next week.
Mekki is currently subject to travel restrictions and a ban on making public statements, stemming from a July hearing related to the 2014 assassination of a political figure.
Kais Saied, who was elected president in 2019, is seeking re-election for a second term. He has been criticised for his handling of political opposition, having imprisoned several critics and opponents.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) recently reported that Tunisian authorities have “prosecuted, convicted or imprisoned at least eight prospective candidates” for the upcoming vote. The organisation highlighted concerns over increased repression and a lack of essential checks on Saied’s power.
Many potential candidates have faced barriers, including accusations of ballot signature forgery and prison sentences. Others claim they were unofficially disqualified after authorities denied them a copy of their clean criminal record, which is required for candidacy.