Tunisian Presidential Candidate Ayachi Zammel Rearrested on Electoral Fraud Charges
Tunisian authorities rearrested presidential candidate Ayachi Zammel on Friday, shortly after his release from detention, on allegations of electoral fraud. Zammel, one of three approved candidates for the October 6 presidential election, was initially arrested on Monday for suspected falsification of voter forms.
A judge ordered his release on Thursday, but he was immediately rearrested upon leaving Borj El Amri prison, according to his lawyers. Zammel denies the allegations, claiming he faces restrictions and intimidation due to his strong candidacy.
The opposition has criticized the election as being rigged in favor of President Kais Saied, who has been accused of eroding democratic gains since taking power in 2019. Zammel has pledged to rebuild democracy, guarantee freedoms, and address Tunisia’s economic collapse.
The electoral commission requires candidates to submit forms from 10,000 supporters to qualify, and Zammel was charged with falsifying these forms. Alongside Zammel and Saied, politician Zouhair Maghzaoui is also approved to run in the election.
