Tuesday 2nd December sees the opening of Tunisia’s first permanent parliamentary assembly, elected in the country’s second free and fair legislative elections on 26th October. The new assembly replaces the National Constituent Assembly, which was elected in 2011 to write Tunisia’s new Constitution and oversee legislation. Over 1300 electoral lists competed in the legislative elections
All eyes have been on the presidential elections this week. The race is heating up, given the very small gap between the two top candidates Beji Caid Essebsi and Moncef Marzouki, with 39% and 33% of votes respectively. A war of words has broken out between the two, prompted by Essebsi’s statement on French radio
Tunisia has witnessed a number of firsts in recent weeks – the first free and fair regular legislative elections, the first free and fair presidential elections, and now its first constitutional dispute under its new constitution. In a communication from the President of the Republic, Dr. Moncef Marzouki, to the leader of the Nidaa Tounes
Tunisia’s second democratic elections on Sunday marked a milestone in the country’s democratic transition, with voters turning out en masse to elect a new 5-year Parliament. The elections were widely applauded as a success by international observers and world leaders, and prove the country’s ability to guarantee a key pillar of democracy – peaceful change
In the wake of Prime Minister Mehdi Jomaa’s world tour to court international assistance, the focus on Tunisia’s economy has taken center stage a means to further the country’s momentum—but not all options are being explored. Tunisia needs an immediate cash injection and substantial investment to finance its deficit and grow its economy. Tunisians living
After months of discussion and close examination in the National Constituent Assembly, media and public discourse, Tunisia’s draft organic law to combat terrorism and money laundering has been put on hold. The Constituent Assembly’s bureau announced at the end of September that in view of the request by the Presidency and government to prioritise urgent
While I was visiting my family and friends in Tunisia this summer, I came across a new feeling, or maybe it is an impression — a feeling or impression that I never encountered before in the country that is proud today to be called the sparkle of the “Arab Spring.”I grew up there in the
The sudden collapse in 2011 of President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali’s regime in Tunisia, one of the most robust security states in the Arab world, inspired protests from Egypt to Yemen. Some of these movements managed to topple entrenched autocratic rulers; others did not. Although Tunisia has its problems, it is safe to say that
Washington, DC – Five months after the landmark passage of Tunisia’s constitution, and with historic elections expected in October and November of this year, a new IRI poll finds Tunisia once again at a crossroads in its democratic transition. “Democracy does not lead to overnight prosperity, and Tunisians are coming to terms with this reality,” said Scott Mastic,
Mosques are being closed, local organizations banned and at least 1,000 people have been arrested as Tunisia cracks down on those suspected of sympathizing with radical Islamists. Tunisia was the only democracy to emerge from the Arab Spring uprisings, but the nation’s battle against terrorism is raising fears that it might be returning to its
