Abstract
Tunisians were called to the polls in free and transparent elections on October 23, 2011 for the first time since independence in 1956. They were to choose 217 members of a Constituent Assembly that for a year would play a double role: drafting a new constitution and governing the country. For many Tunisians, as well as foreigners, the results were something of a surprise. First, the turnout was lower than expected, hovering just over 53 percent, despite serious efforts by the Electoral Commission to get out the vote. Many ordinary Tunisians, it appears, are skeptical of the political transformation in the country since the ouster of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Throughout the campaign, Ennahda maintained it would seek a broad alliance with other political forces to signal Tunisians that partisanship would be put aside. It was the job of all political groups, symbolizing a unified nation, to draft the constitution and usher in the new era, said Ennahda figures. On December 22 the new government was approved.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Middle East Report |
| Volume | 262 |
| Issue number | Spring 2012 |
| Pages (from-to) | 20-25 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| ISSN | 1485-1547 |
| Publication status | Published - 15 Mar 2012 |
Keywords
- Faculty of Humanities