Tunisian presidential candidate arrested

Tunisian police arrested presidential candidate Ayachi Zammel on charges of falsifying campaign details for the upcoming October 6 election, his campaign told local media Mdnoay, according to AFP. Zammel, one of three approved candidates, was detained near Tunis, campaigner Mahdi Abdeljaouad told local radio. The charges allege “falsifying” endorsement signatures, a legal requirement to show sufficient support to run. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has criticized Tunisian authorities for impeding rivals of President Kais Saied from standing as candidates. Saied is seeking re-election in the poll set for October 6. He was elected in 2019 before seizing sweeping powers in 2021. Zammel’s party treasurer was also arrested last month on similar charges and is set to stand trial on September 13.

Several prospective candidates have faced similar accusations. HRW claims that at least eight potential candidates have been prosecuted, convicted, or imprisoned.

Later Monday, Tunisia's election authority, ISIE, said it had approved three candidates to stand, ignoring the successful court appeals of three other candidates who had contested their disqualification.