On Sunday, the United States considered that the legislative elections in Tunisia were “an essential first step towards restoring the democratic trajectory of the country”, while affirming that the very high rate of abstention showed the need for “participation broader policy. These elections are the culmination of the construction of the hyper-presidentialist system wanted by President Kais Saied, elected in 2019 and author of a coup in the summer of 2021 during which he “froze” the Assembly of Representatives of the people.
Since then, he has dissolved it and submitted a new Constitution to a referendum providing for the election of a new Parliament with very limited powers. On Saturday, Tunisians largely shunned these elections, boycotted by the opposition: abstention reached more than 90%.
Protect freedom of expression and opposition
The United States emphasizes “the importance of adopting transparent and inclusive reforms”, such as “the establishment of the Constitutional Court and the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all Tunisians”.
“We will continue to support the Tunisian people’s aspirations for a democratic government that is accountable, protects freedom of expression and opposition, and supports civil society,” the State Department spokesperson said. American, Ned Price.