Even before the presidential electoral campaign began on Sept. 2, scandals, accusations and lawsuits have threatened to mire the democratic process in controversy at a time when Tunisia is in serious need of political stability.

Axar.az reports citing foreign media that the case of Nabil Karoui, a media mogul who was arrested on Aug. 23, has more than created scandal; it has raised questions about electoral transparency. Karoui was told he could not participate in the live presidential debates, which began Sept. 7, nor in broadcast interviews ahead of the presidential election scheduled for Sept. 15.

In a Sept. 9 press release, the European Union’s Election Observation Mission called on the Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE) to “take the necessary measures to enable all candidates, including Mr. Karoui, to campaign in accordance with the principle of equal opportunity,” while fully respecting the independence of the judiciary.

The ISIE had given permission for a journalist from Elhiwar Ettounsi to interview Karoui in prison. However on Sept. 10, the attorney general blocked the interview.