Tunisia prepares for an October 6 presidential election amid uncertainty over President Kais Saied's candidacy. Saied, who assumed broad powers in 2021, faces economic challenges and criticism for crackdowns on media and political opponents, impacting the country's stability and prompting migration to Europe.

Tunisia is preparing for a presidential election on October 6, as announced by President Kais Saied's office on Tuesday. It remains uncertain whether Saied, who was first elected in 2019, will seek another five-year term.

Saied, an expert in constitutional matters, assumed full control of the country in 2021, governing by decree after dismissing the prime minister and parliament, leading to the imprisonment of many of his opponents.

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

A statement from Saied's office on July 2, 2024, called on voters to participate in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for Sunday, October 6, 2024.

The political turmoil following his consolidation of power has severely impacted Tunisia's economy, with an unemployment rate of 15% and around four million citizens, out of a population of 12 million, living in poverty.

Moreover, a crackdown on 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 interior and social affairs ministers after a wave 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 grab in 2021, as Saied has refused to implement the requested reforms.

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

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