The official start of Tunisia’s presidential campaign season was marked by significant unrest in the capital on Saturday, following a major protest the previous day.

This protest comes as Saied’s opponents claim his actions since assuming power represent an authoritarian takeover

The official start of the presidential campaign season in Tunisia began on Saturday, a day after Tunisians took their anger to the streets of the capital to decry what protesters say is the deteriorating state of the country.

The presidential campaign season has officially started in Tunisia amidst significant public unrest. Protests emerged against President Kais Saied, highlighting concerns over civil liberties, and political and economic issues.

Before Tunisian voters have their say in the presidential election on Oct. 6, state institutions have already had their say. The security services, judicial authorities, and the High Independent Electoral Authority (ISIE) have either obstructed or officially barred over a dozen potential candidates from running.

Protests at the weekend capped off a week in which the North African country’s largest opposition party, Ennahda, said its senior members had been arrested at a scale not previously seen. View on euro

The electoral campaign for the upcoming presidential election, scheduled for October 6, officially began on Tunisian soil, two days after it began abroad.