Tunisia’s government jailed a leading opposition figure ahead of next month’s election. Ayachi Zammel, one of just two candidates approved to run against the authoritarian President Kais Saied, was sentenced to 20 months over alleged forgery: His campaign said the move was politically motivated.

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.

More than 30 Tunisian MPs proposed an urgent bill on Friday to amend the country's electoral law, in an attempt to strip the Administrative Court of its role as an adjudicator in election-related disputes before the October 6 presidential vote.