Tunisia Presidential Candidate Ayachi Zammel Imprisoned for Certificate Forgery Days Before Election

A Tunisian court sentenced presidential candidate Ayachi Zammel to six months in prison on September 25 for falsifying documents, marking his second prison sentence in a week.

This sentencing comes just days before the presidential election, highlighting rising tensions amid fears from opposition and civil society groups of a rigged election to maintain President Kais Saied’s grip on power.

Last week, Zammel received a 20-month sentence for falsifying popular endorsements.

“It is another unjust ruling and a farce that clearly aims to weaken him in the election race, but we will defend his right to the last minute,” Zammel attorney Abdessattar Massoudi said.

Zammel was one of only three admitted candidates competing for the presidency, alongside incumbent Saied and Zouhair Magzhaoui.

Political tensions in Tunisia have escalated ahead of the October 6 election, following the disqualification of three prominent candidates by an electoral commission appointed by Saied, which sparked protests from opposition and civil society groups.