This is a tragic day for democracy in the Arab world. Saied's new constitution - which was approved with only a quarter of the Tunisian population's support - is an attempt to make himself Tunisia's new authoritarian strongman, reversing the free speech and democratic governance that were protected under Tunisia's post-Arab Spring government.
Considering the severe economic and political crisis Tunisia has spiraled into since the so-called "Arab Spring," it's no wonder that Tunisians have decided to support the new constitution. This is just one more step to save the country from the grip of the Muslim Brotherhood and the political corruption and economic chaos that it would otherwise face. This election wasn't about a return to autocracy but about salvaging Tunisia.