Legislative election results

Presidential election results

1999

2004

Introduction

Since its independence from France in 1956, Tunisian politics have been dominated by the RCD and two Presidents. For three decades, the country was led by Habib Bourguiba, who was praised for his secular approach to running the country. Some of his notable policies include: the emancipation of women, which have entrenched women's rights in all spheres of Tunisian society and are amongst some of the most advanced policies in the Arab world. Further policies include, the abolition of polygamy and compulsory free education. Bourguiba adopted an anti-Islamic fundamentalist approach, simultaneously increasing his own powers to become a virtual dictator. He was eventually dismissed from his presidential duties in 1987 on the grounds of him being physically unfit to govern.

Zine El Abidine Ben Ali thereafter became the country's second President. Ben Ali's policies did not differ much from his predecessor as he, too, adopted a hard line against Islamic extremists. The new President also inherited a stable and diverse economy, as well as a healthy trading network, owing to its access to vital shipping routes.

Owing to his overwhelming majority in the presidential vote, Ben Ali has subsequently altered the constitution to allow himself to run for further terms as President. This was a move that opposition parties condemned. In the upcoming elections Ben Ali will be running for his fifth consecutive term in leading the North African country. Despite presiding over a prolonged period of prosperous and stable economic growth, with the country halving its slum population since Ben Ali came to power, the incumbent government has been criticised for its suppression of dissent. Although certain press regulations have been slightly relaxed and a number of political prisoners have been freed, human rights groups accuse the sitting regime of not tolerating any dissent by harassing government critics and activists. Although freedom of expression and opinion is guaranteed by the Constitution, the free press is frequently scrutinised by the government, who tightly control the press and broadcasting industry.

Despite the rising opposition and activism towards these policies, Ben Ali and the ruling RCD are widely expected to retain power in the upcoming presidential and legislative elections.

The Electoral System

On October 25 2009, Tunisia will vote for a new President and a new Legislature. In the presidential election, a candidate is elected by popular vote for a five year term. The Constitution states that candidates who run for the Presidency must be at least 40 years of age, and not exceed 75.

The legislative branch of government uses a bicameral system that consists of the Chamber of Deputies or Majlis al-Nuwaab, and the Chamber of Councillors, or Majils al-Mustasharin. The Chamber of Deputies consists of 189 seats, with 152 members elected in multimember constituencies, and 37 members are elected through a closed-list proportional representational system. All members are elected for a period of five years.

The Chamber of Councillors consists of 126 seats, with 85 members being elected by what is known as an electoral college, that consists of municipal councillors, deputies, mayors, professionals associates and trade unionists, who elect candidates for a six year term. The remaining candidates are appointed directly by the President to also serve a six year term. The next election for the Council of Councillors is scheduled for 2011.

Electoral Issues

The RCD, under Ben Ali, has recognised the need to modernise society and encourage economic growth in the country. His election campaign identifies the need to develop a modern infrastructure and communications network in order to stimulate the local economy, as well as encourage tourism. Ben Ali advocates the establishment of "the City of Handicrafts and Artistic Occupations" to serve as a commercial centre for the country and encourage creativity and innovation, as well as promote local enterprises.

The opposition to Ben Ali's RCD is mainly focused on highlighting the plight of activists and exposing the incumbent regime's intolerant policies that restrict the country's free press and do not accommodate dissent. Opposition leaders have called for, and campaigned around, guaranteeing basic human rights, as well as for a separation of power on an executive level.

In the upcoming elections, it is widely expected that Ben Ali and the RCD will retain its majority and receive a mandate to govern the country for another term of Presidency. Whether opposition parties will receive enough support to influence government policies in the legislature remains to be seen.

Main sources

BBC News - Country profile: Tunisia (October 7, 2009).
CIA World Factbook - Tunisia (October 6, 2009).
Inter-Parliamentary Union - TUNISIA: parliamentary elections Majils Al-Nuwaab (October 6, 2009).
International Foundation for Electoral Systems - Election Profile for Tunisia (October 7, 2009).
International Foundation for Electoral Systems - Election Profile for Tunisia - Results (October 7, 2009).
International Foundation for Electoral Systems - Country Profile: Tunisia (October 7, 2009).
Konrad Adenauer Stiftung - MENA Election Guide: Overview Election Law (October 7, 2009).
Konrad Adenauer Stiftung - MENA Election Guide: Tunisia's Ben Ali seeks fifth mandate (October 7, 2009)
Magharebia - Tunisian opposition leader announces 2009 election aspirations (October 8, 2009).
National Democratic Institute - World Affairs Briefing - Tunisian Elections in October 2009: Opportunities and Obstacles (October 9, 2009).
Polity - Tunisian leader promises democracy, jobs if re-elected (October 12, 2009).
Research Channel - Country Profile: Tunisia (October 7, 2009).
Tunisia Online News - Stories on Ben Ali's electoral programme (October 7, 2009).

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