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Outsider Saied set for landslide in Tunisia presidency: exit polls
TUNIS, Oct 14, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Conservative academic Kais Saied, a
political outsider, was headed for a landslide victory in Tunisia’s
presidential runoff, sweeping aside his rival, media magnate Nabil Karoui,
exit polls said.
In a contest that reflected Tunisia’s shifting post-revolution political
landscape, Saied, an independent, scooped 72.5 percent of the vote according
to the Emrhod exit poll on Sunday, and 76.9 percent in the Sigma one — over
40 points ahead of Karoui.
Thousands of people took to the streets of the capital Tunis to celebrate
Saied’s victory, honking horns and singing the national anthem.
“It’s a historic day: Tunisia is reaping the fruits of the revolution,”
said Boussairi Abidi, a 39-year-old mechanic. “Kais Saied is going to put an
end to corruption, he will be a fair president.”
The official results are expected Monday.
In his first reaction, Saied thanked the country’s young people “for
turning a new page”, and vowed to try to build “a new Tunisia”.
Around 90 percent of 18- to 25-year-olds voted for Saied, according to
estimates by the Sigma polling institute, compared with 49.2 percent of
voters over 60.
“Kais Saied, voice of the people,” a gathered crowd chanted. “Long live
Tunisia!”
“We are very happy. Tunisia has an honest man at the helm now. The
difference between the two candidates was the work he has been doing,” said
Mustafa El Ghali, a family member.
The runoff was contested by two political newcomers — pitting Saied,
nicknamed “Robocop”, against businessman, Karoui, who is dubbed Tunisia’s
“Berlusconi”.
They trounced the old guard in a September 15 first round, highlighting
voter anger over a stagnant economy, joblessness and poor public services in
the cradle of the Arab Spring.
Adding controversy and suspense to the contest, Karoui only walked free
from jail on Wednesday, having spent more than a month behind bars on
suspicion of money-laundering.
The poll, Tunisia’s second free presidential election since its 2011
revolt, followed the death of president Beji Caid Essebsi in July. Turnout
was higher than in the first round, and estimated at around 57 percent.
– ‘Peaceful transition’ –
In one polling station, voters said they were divided between “the one who
will apply the law” and the one “who helps the poor”, referring to a charity
television show that boosted Karoui’s popularity.
The 56-year-old tycoon Karoui portrayed himself as a bulwark against
political Islam, which he accused his rival of supporting.
He called the result a “denial of justice”, saying he had been penalised
by his incarceration.
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“It’s like competing in the Olympics and one breaks one’s knee before
doing the 100 meters,” he said.
Saied, a 61-year-old constitutional law expert, campaigned on the values
of the 2011 revolution, based on opposition to Westernised and corrupt
elites, and in favour of radical decentralisation.
“You have created a new concept of revolution, let your conscience guide
you,” he said, casting his ballot.
“Congratulations to Tunisia; less for whom they voted, and more for
showing a continued commitment to resolving differences via peaceful
transitions,” said H.A. Hellyer, a senior fellow at the Royal United Services
Institute in London, in a tweet.
For what was the third election in four weeks, some Tunisians organised
car-sharing and free transport for students who had to travel far to their
hometowns to cast their ballots.
“I am doing it out of love for my country. I support the one who embodies
hope for Tunisia,” said taxi driver Bakri who offered free rides to Saied
supporters between Tunis and the coastal city of Nabeul.
The Islamist-inspired Ennahdha party, which won the most seats in
parliament in general elections earlier this month, had called on supporters
to back Saied.
But the runoff outcome had remained uncertain, with a ban on opinion
polls.
Saied topped the first round with 18.4 percent of votes, while Karoui
followed with 15.6 percent.
– Sharp contrast –
While the candidates were both seen as anti-establishment figures, the
contrast between them was sharp, with Saied earning his nickname for his
rigid and austere manner.
A social conservative, he has defended the death penalty, criminalisation
of homosexuality and a sexual assault law that punishes unmarried couples who
engage in public displays of affection.
Karoui presented himself as a candidate for the poor whose appeal stemmed
largely from his media empire and philanthropic activity.
Karoui, who always appeared in designer suits, has dismissed the
allegations against him as politically motivated.
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