by Ana Maria Sarmento
The
general reaction of the European Parliament (EP) on the results of
the latest Parliamentary Election in Tunisia was highly positive. The
European Union (EU) believes that the Tunisian Parliamentary Election
held on 26 October 2014 showed hope for a democratic future in
Tunisia.
In
the EP Committee hearing of last week many speakers have
congratulated Tunisia on showing an ability to reorganize itself and
to proceed with a constitutional process just shortly after the
revolutionary wave that started in December 2010.
In October 2011 the country witnessed the first free election since Tunisia's independence in 1956, however, the modern constitution lacked on recognition of all secular states.
The 2014 election stood out of the previous one because it gave space to everyone willing to take part in it. It was reported as a spectacularly smooth process of elections and the role of the EU Election Observation mission to Tunisia was extremely praised.
Some speakers in the EP hearing said that the low electoral participation of Tunisians, namely among youth citizens, may be seen as a relevant indication of the current political scene. In addition, the poll results gave to Nidaa Tounes party 85 seats, 39,17% of the Parliamentary seats; and 69 seats to Ennahda Movement party, 31,79% of the Parliamentary seats.
The third major party has only 16 seats, which is 7,37% in the parliament. Without a clear majority, the question is how the two biggest Tunisian parties will be able to come together. Therefore, the Tunisian Presidential Election to be held on 23 November, will play a major role in the future of the country's democratic process.
Despite being a small country, Tunisia's contribution in the region is very important in the eyes of the EU's public opinion. Europe needs Tunisia to spread a positive influence in the region and this election is seen as a successful example of democracy for other Arab countries.
Although a positive sign was interpreted from the 2014 Parliamentary election´s results, a long path to complement a democratic process in Tunisia is envisaged and the EU must play a major role in this regard.
In October 2011 the country witnessed the first free election since Tunisia's independence in 1956, however, the modern constitution lacked on recognition of all secular states.
The 2014 election stood out of the previous one because it gave space to everyone willing to take part in it. It was reported as a spectacularly smooth process of elections and the role of the EU Election Observation mission to Tunisia was extremely praised.
Some speakers in the EP hearing said that the low electoral participation of Tunisians, namely among youth citizens, may be seen as a relevant indication of the current political scene. In addition, the poll results gave to Nidaa Tounes party 85 seats, 39,17% of the Parliamentary seats; and 69 seats to Ennahda Movement party, 31,79% of the Parliamentary seats.
The third major party has only 16 seats, which is 7,37% in the parliament. Without a clear majority, the question is how the two biggest Tunisian parties will be able to come together. Therefore, the Tunisian Presidential Election to be held on 23 November, will play a major role in the future of the country's democratic process.
Despite being a small country, Tunisia's contribution in the region is very important in the eyes of the EU's public opinion. Europe needs Tunisia to spread a positive influence in the region and this election is seen as a successful example of democracy for other Arab countries.
Although a positive sign was interpreted from the 2014 Parliamentary election´s results, a long path to complement a democratic process in Tunisia is envisaged and the EU must play a major role in this regard.
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