Tunisian Presidential Challenger Arrested Amid Controversial Election

Ayachi Zammel's detention raises concerns over President Kais Saied's tightening grip on power ahead of the October vote.

Ayachi Zammel, one of two approved challengers, was arrested on charges of falsifying endorsements.
President Saied has been accused of consolidating power by suspending parliament and rewriting the constitution.
The electoral commission excluded multiple candidates despite a court ruling to reinstate them.
Rights groups and opposition parties claim the government is blocking political competition.
Public demonstrations have been called to protest the exclusion of candidates from the election.