As Tunisia approaches its Presidential election on October 6, the country’s youth express mixed feelings about politics and the upcoming vote.
Some, citing a lack of opportunities, dream of leaving the country. Seddik Malki, a fruit vendor, shares his disillusionment: “I want to tell the youth: leave by sea; there is nothing left for us here in Tunisia… I have no future here.”
Others, however, hold out hope that the election will bring positive change. Lotfi Hamdi, a 32-year-old street vendor, says, “I hope the winner of the presidential election will fix the country and focus on the youth, especially the high cost of living.”
Current president Kais Saied is seeking re-election amid criticism for consolidating power. Many of his major opponents are either in prison or barred from running, raising concerns about a lack of political competition. Only two candidates have been approved to challenge Saied, who has ruled without a functioning parliament since his rise to power in 2019.