Speaking to Tunisie Numérique, a professor of public law Saghir Zakraoui highlighted that the eligibility to partake in elections for any prisoner remains clear: every person retains their civil and political rights unless a final ruling has been issued that explicitly revokes these rights.
He further explained that the constitutional guarantee of these rights indicates that no one should be banned from exercising their civil and political freedoms without a judicial ruling to that effect. This includes the right of prisoners to run for office, even from within prison walls.
Zakrawi, nevertheless, remarked that the issue takes on an ethical dimension, suggesting that individuals against whom judgments have been issued should ideally not stand for election. The rationale is that candidates should serve as role models, free from suspicion or legal penalties, even at the local election level.
He highlighted the critical need for discussions in Tunisia to focus on cleansing the political atmosphere and alleviating the prevailing state of tension. Al-Zakrawi pointed out the widespread frustration and tension among the Tunisian populace, underlining that the current ruling authority bears responsibility for the existing political, economic, and social strains.