The Independent High Authority for Elections in Tunisia extended the nomination period for parliamentary candidates by three days beyond the usual eight, closing on October 27. Out of 1,427 candidate files submitted, only 1,058 were accepted, including 936 male and 122 female candidates. Concerns were raised about seats with no candidates, particularly overseas seats in Asia and Australia. The results of the appeals will be announced on November 22, with the number of candidates being low compared to the 2,870,521 votes cast in the 2019 legislative elections.

Civil society and student organizations in Tunisia have raised concerns about the increase in arbitrary arrests and police violence against sub-Saharan individuals, particularly in light of food shortages exacerbating socio-economic tensions. Christian Kwongang, President of AESAT, reported around 300 arrests of sub-Saharan people, including students, in the Ariana municipality since November.

The Pristini School of AI in Tunisia is addressing the AI skills gap by offering undergraduate and masters courses to 130 students, with plans to expand faculty and student enrollment. Located in the Novation City high-tech industrial park in Sousse, the school aims to create a digitally fluent workforce and foster a circular personnel economy between education and industry. It offers part-time study options for local businesses and is developing international collaborations for double-degree programs. Companies like Neapolis and Sagemcom are partnering with Pristini for work-study placements and training. The school's initiatives are seen as a step towards transforming the area into a 'Silicon Sahel' tech hub.

Following President Kais Saied's speech, which suggested that irregular migration is a plot to change Tunisia's demographic identity, a surge of violent attacks, including rape and a confirmed murder, has occurred. The Association of African Students and Interns in Tunisia reports daily incidents of violence against sub-Saharan individuals in the country.

Tunisia's El Manara women’s centre in El Kef, run by the Association femme et citoyenneté, is on the frontline of the country's femicide crisis, exacerbated by economic and political instability. Despite groundbreaking laws like Law 58, aimed at addressing gender-based violence, implementation gaps persist, and the worsening conditions are feared to increase domestic violence. The murder of Wafa Sabai and Refka Cherni highlight the failures in protecting women, even with legal measures in place. Activists are demanding government action, but with rising authoritarianism and economic challenges, feminist groups are left to support victims. The centre has seen a 50% rise in cases since 2019, and funding issues have halted the conversion of a shelter and ended the tenure of their clinical psychologist, Chaymaa Benalayaa.

Tunisia's parliamentary elections commenced with low voter turnout and a significant boycott from the opposition, criticizing President Kais Saied's new constitution that consolidates power. The electoral system changes have led to fewer candidates, with only 1,000 running compared to 15,500 in 2019. Major parties like Ennahdha and Qalb Tounes, as well as the UGTT labor union, are boycotting the election. Human rights groups express concern over reduced female candidacy. The EU declined to observe the elections, while the African Union and Russian observers are present. Preliminary results are expected early next week, with potential second-round voting in some areas.

Tunisian academics are emigrating due to a cost-of-living crisis, political turmoil, and poor working conditions, with many heading to Saudi Arabian universities for better salaries and research opportunities. Since 2011, around 4,500 academics have left Tunisia, with a surge since 2021. University salaries are low, and the higher education budget has decreased. The World Bank's loans, including a US$70 million project to modernize Tunisia's university system, have not prevented the decline. Strikes over pay and conditions have occurred, and future protests are possible. The UGTT and IJABA unions are concerned about potential public salary cuts due to IMF loan negotiations. Meanwhile, Saudi institutions are attracting Tunisian academics with higher salaries and better research funding, as the country aims to integrate academia with industry and develop its talent pool.

In Tunisia, inflation is severely impacting both the poor and middle-class, with many relying on state-subsidised pasta as food, fuel, and rent prices soar. Chambermaid Reem spends half her salary on rent and struggles with bills, while President Kais Saied's attempts to control prices have not alleviated the hardship. Unemployment and poverty rates are high, and even middle-class individuals like hotel manager Imen Wannen face difficulties, with property values increasing and meat becoming a luxury. The economic crisis continues to deepen, affecting various aspects of daily life.

Tunisians are voting on a new constitution proposed by President Kais Saied, which would significantly increase presidential powers, raising fears of a return to autocratic rule among his detractors. Saied's supporters argue the new constitution will reduce political chaos. Tunisia, the only democratic republic in the Arab world since the 2011 revolution, has faced crises including terrorist attacks, economic challenges, and political turmoil. Saied, who became president in 2019, has dissolved democratic institutions and plans to rule by decree until a new parliament is elected. Critics call his actions a coup, and international observers have expressed concern. Despite low turnout predictions, the constitution will be enacted if approved in the referendum.

Tunisian police arrested a leading LGBTQ+ activist, Saif Ayadi, and others during a rally against President Kais Saied's proposed constitution. The demonstration, which was met with violence, including beatings and pepper spray, opposed Saied's actions since July 25 of the previous year, when he dismissed the prime minister, suspended parliament, and assumed executive authority. Critics accuse Saied of leading Tunisia towards dictatorship, exacerbating political and economic crises. The new constitution would allow Saied to rule by decree and have ultimate authority over the government and judiciary. The protest, previously dominated by middle-aged individuals, is now seeing increased participation from younger demographics.

In Tunisia, opponents of President Kais Saied are divided on how to approach the upcoming referendum on a new constitution. Some advocate voting 'no' to express dissent, while others call for a boycott to delegitimize the process. The opposition, including the Citizens Against the Coup and the National Salvation Front, is fragmented by ideological differences and the inclusion of Ennahdha Party members. Civil society and various political groups are organizing separate protests. Critics of Saied, including former supporters, express feelings of betrayal over the proposed constitution, fearing it concentrates power and could lead to religious conservatism. With low public engagement in the referendum process and predictions of a low turnout, the opposition faces challenges in presenting a united front.

Algerian authorities shut down the Hirak movement, a pro-democracy group demanding the former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to allow free elections and campaigning for systemic change from the military one-party state since 1965. The crackdown resulted in thousands of activists arrested and over 300 held in pre-trial detention, with many facing terrorism allegations.

Tunisia's new government, voted in on February 26, faces the challenge of rebuilding the nation's fragile economy and leveraging its potential as an economic gateway to Africa. Despite a slight improvement in inflation and unemployment rates this quarter, these are not signs of a spontaneous recovery.

Since the fall of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in January 2011, Tunisia's art scene has flourished, particularly in the old Medina quarter of Tunis, which hosts public festivals like Dream City and Interference. Despite this cultural renaissance, the country's restaurant and food culture has lagged. However, a new wave of Tunisian cuisine is emerging in supper clubs and private art salons, offering an innovative interpretation of traditional dishes.

Tunisians are preparing to vote in presidential elections on September 15, with political debates and scandals becoming hot topics on social media and in cafes. Due to a ban on official opinion polling during the electoral campaign period in Tunisia, voters are relying on other sources to inform their decisions. The televised presidential debates, a first for Tunisia and only the second in the Arab world, have significantly influenced the public discourse.

Scandals, accusations, and lawsuits have overshadowed the presidential electoral campaign in Tunisia, which began on September 2. The arrest of media mogul Nabil Karoui on August 23 has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the fairness of the electoral process. Karoui, who was barred from participating in live presidential debates and broadcast interviews, is a central figure in the controversy, with his case highlighting the challenges to electoral transparency in Tunisia.

The United Nations, through spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, has called for the immediate release and dropping of charges against UN expert Moncef Kartas, who is currently detained in Tunisia. Defense lawyer Sarah Zaafrani believes Kartas' case has taken a political turn.

The Tunisian government issued a decree changing the entry requirements for the 'Concours de Magistrature', a national examination for law students aspiring to become judges, to only accept masters graduates of law. This decision, effective immediately, deviated from the previous rule allowing undergraduate students with a 'licence' to sit for the exam. The change led to widespread student protests and boycotts across various universities, supported by the General Union of Tunisian Students. The government partially retracted by delaying the change's application to new law students from the 2017-18 academic year onwards. Despite this, protests continued, and there were reports of police violence against students. The Ministry of Justice acknowledged the need for reform and transparency in legal education but admitted the abruptness of the implementation. A government commission is reviewing the education and examination of law students until 15 July.

The article discusses the severe impact of the civil war on higher education in Libya, highlighting the challenges faced by universities such as the University of Benghazi and the Libyan International Medical University (LIMU). Both institutions have been damaged by the conflict, with the University of Benghazi being forced to halt teaching and LIMU operating from Egypt. Despite the difficulties, efforts are being made to continue education, with some students relocating to the University of Tripoli and others joining programs at Suez Canal University. The article also touches on the broader effects of the war on the higher education sector, including disrupted communications, financial difficulties, and the suspension of international exchange programs. Positive developments include ongoing English training courses by the British Council and the planned opening of the National Centre for Modern Languages at the University of Tripoli. The future of higher education in Libya is uncertain and heavily dependent on the outcome of peace talks.

The journalist is an investigative reporter and visual storyteller who has worked with prominent news organizations such as the BBC and Al Jazeera. Their experience includes covering breaking news and managing live-streams for significant events such as protests in Tunis and the Grenfell Tower fire in London. They have also provided on-air commentary for Al Jazeera. Currently, the journalist is dedicated to in-depth reporting on critical issues in North Africa, including child trafficking, modern slavery, suicide, smuggling networks, and methods for youth empowerment and grassroots activism.