Tunisian on Friday voiced mixed expectations as they prepare to head to the polls on Sunday to elect a new president from three candidates, including the incumbent Kais Saied.
Among the major issues facing voters is the state of the economy, but many said that they have already lost faith in the system and will not participate.
On July 25, 2021, Saied dismissed the government and suspended parliament.
Two years later, new members of parliament and of other political institutions were elected. Many voters believe that such political change was necessary to ensure much-needed social and economic reforms after the 2024 presidential elections.
"The Tunisian president has helped the Tunisian citizens in restoring their confidence by leading a war against monopolies and others which ruined our country's society. President Kais Saied supports the social role of the state by pushing for better projects," said Saber Jelassi, Tunisian member of parliament.
"We have been through a very tough period during the past few years, God willing we'll not experience it again, during that period our youths have suffered unemployment," said Sarra Jaffeli, a resident in the Tunis metropolitan area.
Many others, however, said that they feel disillusioned by all politicians and will not vote for any candidate on Sunday.
"Young people are only thinking about leaving the country. The young people do not care about presidential elections, they don't care who comes and who goes, they're leaving anyway because they don't see any future here," said Mehdi Ben Rached, a student.
Political analysts said the North African country has remained stable and safe, despite the various political, security and economic challenges.
"Tunisians today are looking for a concrete transformation in the country following deep political changes, aiming to apply it into an economic and social achievement. I believe this is the challenge of the next phase. It looks like the Tunisian people are going towards the continuity, but it's conditioned with improved livelihood, growth rates, economic indicators and acceleration in the pace of projects achievements," said Khalil Rekik, a political analyst.
The polling centers for the Tunisian presidential elections opened on Sunday in the 24 provinces of Tunisia, Tunisia's Independent High Authority for Elections said.
Voting started at 08:00 local time (0700 GMT) and will close at 18:00 local time (1700 GMT) at over 5,000 voting centers and more than 9,600 polling stations across the country.
More than 9.7 million people are eligible to elect a new president between three candidates: incumbent President Kais Saied, who is running for a second five-year term; Zouhair Maghzaoui, secretary-general of the People's Movement party; and Ayachi Zammel, secretary-general of the Azimoun Movement, who remains in detention for alleged election-related irregularities.
The final results of the presidential election are expected to be announced by Nov 9 at the latest.
Tunisia holds presidential elections every five years.
Voters voice hopes, doubts as Tunisia prepares for presidential elections
