Monday saw a low voter turnout for a controversial referendum on a new constitution in Tunisia.
The electoral commission of the country reports that 27.5% of eligible voters cast ballots.
The ‘yes’ vote for a new constitution, which President Kais Saied argued was required to advance political reforms, is expected to pass by a large margin.
His opponents, however, argue that it would merely consolidate the powers he seized a year ago and strengthen his rule.
According to an exit poll published on Monday evening, more than 90 percent of those who voted supported the president’s initiative.
Mr. Saied’s opponents, many of whom boycotted the election, will cite the low voter turnout as invalidating what they view as a worrisome return to autocracy.
When Tunisia overthrew its long-serving dictator Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali in 2011, it became the cradle of the Arab Spring.
President Saied chose the date of the referendum to coincide with the first anniversary of his dramatic decision to suspend parliament and dismiss the government.
Since that time, he has ruled by decree.
The new constitution, which replaces one drafted in 2014, three years after the Arab Spring, would grant the head of state complete executive control, the supreme command of the armed forces, and the ability to appoint a government without parliamentary approval.
Mr. Saied asserts that it is essential to break the cycle of political paralysis and economic decline.
He asserts that his reforms embody the spirit of the 2011 revolution and will lead to a brighter future.
After voting on Monday morning, the president stated, “Our money and wealth are enormous, and our desire to rebuild a new Tunisia and a new republic, one that breaks with the past, is even greater.”
According to his numerous detractors, it could lead Tunisia back to quasi-dictatorship.
The major political parties, including the Islamist Ennahda, boycotted the election.
Although there is still a core of support for President Saied among Tunisians who believe the country needs a strong leader to solve its issues, there appears to be little enthusiasm for the vote.
