Tunisian watchdog suing President Kais Saied after 'vote yes' referendum post

A Tunisian civil rights watchdog said Monday that it is suing President Kais Saied for violating electoral law, as a public vote on his controversial draft constitution nears.

I Watch said in a statement that it was filing the complaint after the Tunisian presidency shared a post on social media in which Saied called on citizens to vote in favour of the draft constitution that will be put to a referendum on 25 July.

The referendum is scheduled for the anniversary of Saied's suspension of parliament and firing of the prime minister, which took place on 25 July last year.

After a fast-tracked drafting process, Saied announced on 30 June a new draft constitution, which he has vowed to create since taking over all extraordinary powers last year.

Since its release, the draft has evoked controversy, with many Tunisians concerned that if the draft is passed it will be the last nail in the coffin of the North African country as a bastion of democracy in the MENA region.

Saied published an amended draft last week in an apparent attempt to ward off criticism.

But a Tunisian opposition alliance renewed calls on Monday for a boycott of the referendum, despite the amendments.