Most political parties boycotted the electoral process denouncing a travesty aimed at strengthening presidential power
Just 8.8 percent of Tunisian voters cast ballots in Saturday’s parliamentary election, authorities said, as most political parties boycotted the election, denouncing a travesty aimed at strengthening presidential power.
The provisional turnout is lower than the inflation rate of 9.8% – in a sign of the economic pressures that have left many Tunisians disillusioned with the political system, nearly 12 years after the Arab Spring revolutions.
The election is part of a series of political changes made by President Kais Sazend since he dissolved Parliament in a series of measures the opposition has denounced as a “coup”.
Last year, Sagent, a former law professor, dismissed the government and suspended articles of the 2014 constitution that limited the president’s power in favor of Parliament and the prime minister. In July this year, a controversial new Constitution was approved in a referendum that gave Sargent wider powers. About 30% of the approximately 9.2 million voters participated in the referendum. Sagent, who took office in 2019, has repeatedly defended his moves, saying they are in line with the Constitution.
The president is presenting the political changes he is promoting as necessary to save Tunisia from years of political paralysis and economic stagnation, and this morning urged voters to go to the polls.
The head of the electoral commission, Farooq Buasker, who announced the turnout, described it as “small but not embarrassing”, attributing it to the new electoral system and the absence of a funded election campaign.
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With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
