Tunisians Shun Elections for New Chamber of Parliament
Tunisians showed a lack of interest in the first elections for a new chamber of parliament under President Kais Saied’s constitution. Critics argue that the election is part of Saied’s “authoritarian” agenda. Saied, a former law professor who took office in 2019, seized executive powers two years later, dissolving parliament and ruling by decree. The Independent High Authority for Elections reported that only 11.66 percent of the electorate turned out for the vote.
Boycott and Low Turnout
Opponents of Saied called for a boycott of the election, claiming it was “illegal” and “imposed.” As expected, the turnout was feeble, with polling stations appearing mostly empty throughout the day. An official in charge of a polling station in downtown Tunis expressed surprise at the low turnout, stating that it was the lowest seen since the revolution in 2011 that overthrew President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali after 24 years in power.
Lack of Understanding and Opposition
Some Tunisians who did not vote expressed their lack of understanding about the election and their disinterest in it. Nadia Majer, a 23-year-old student, said she didn’t understand anything about the election and didn’t want to understand it either. Over 260 prominent Tunisian figures signed a petition against what they called a “useless” election, accusing Saied’s government of imposing its political project on the people. They believed that the aim of the election was to weaken local power and make it subservient to the executive power.
Repression and Opposition Imprisonment
Since February, more than 20 members of the opposition, including Ennahdha party leader Rached Ghannouchi and Jawhar Ben Mbarek, co-founder of the National Salvation Front, have been jailed by the authorities. This repression has further fueled opposition to the election and the government. Critics argue that the government’s actions are aimed at silencing dissent and consolidating power.
Establishment of Local Councils
The election will result in the establishment of local, regional, and district councils, forming the second chamber of parliament. President Saied’s new constitution, approved in July 2022, created two chambers of parliament—the Assembly of People’s Representatives and a National Council of Regions and Districts. The assembly, with limited powers, began its work earlier this year after an election boycotted by the opposition and ignored by voters, with only 11 percent turnout. The council’s inauguration is scheduled for June 2024, and it will be responsible for deciding on the state budget and regional development projects.
Complex Selection Process
Members of the National Council of Regions and Districts are selected through a complex process involving local ballots and drawing of lots. This process aims to ensure representation from different regions and districts across Tunisia. However, critics argue that this process may not be transparent and could be manipulated to favor certain candidates or parties.
Preliminary Results and Second Round
The electoral authority is expected to release preliminary results on December 27. A second round of voting is scheduled for February, although the date has not been set yet. It remains to be seen whether the opposition’s call for a boycott will continue to impact voter turnout in the second round.
In conclusion, Tunisians largely shunned the elections for a new chamber of parliament, with low voter turnout and a boycott by opponents of President Saied. The government’s repression of the opposition and allegations of an “authoritarian” agenda have further fueled discontent. The establishment of local councils through this election will shape the second chamber of parliament, but concerns remain about the transparency of the selection process. The release of preliminary results and the upcoming second round will determine the future direction of Tunisia’s political landscape.