According to Kaies Saied, Professor of Constitutional Law, the speech of the two presidential candidates should move towards a next stage of the responsibility that each one wants to achieve.
Because this kind of speech would certainly contribute to the division of the country which faces several challenges. Still, politicians should resort to the Constitution in the formation of a new government; otherwise the impact would be negative on the implementation of the constitution in the future.
Interview
What is your reading of the speeches of the two candidates in the second round of the Presidential Elections in light of the climate of tension in some regions, particularly the South?
My reading might be marked by a certain “tension” knowing that the enthusiasm for this type of campaign is natural and even normal. However, I think that this “tension” could only cause similar cases in the street and even reach dangerous levels.
I think the speech of two candidates should progress to the next stage of the responsibility that each one wants to achieve. However, what we are noting today could worsen in the coming days and it could even reach more worrying levels especially during the announcement of the results of the runoff of presidential elections.
Besides, I think that kind of speech would certainly contribute to the division. This is obviously a dangerous phenomenon for the Tunisian state, but also for citizens.
Each candidate must fulfil his responsibility towards the Tunisian people given the fact that they are Tunisians regardless of their political or regional affiliations.
And what about voter turnout?
It is useless to speak of the voter turnout for this candidate or the other in this phase. What is important is to preserve the electoral plans for each.
What do you think of the second round of elections?
I do not want to go into that issue. However, I can assure you that my opinion remains dependent on the Tunisians voter turnout.
In this context, it is important to note that this turnout has continued to decline from an electoral event to another.
For what reason?
That is clear. Tunisians do not have confidence in the general political institution. Voter turnout has recorded a considerable decline compared to the October 2011 elections with less than a million voters. The same goes for the presidential election which also recorded such a decline compared with the legislative elections.
In my opinion, Tunisians have sent several messages to the political class in general.
What about the reluctance of young people?
An important question in this sense: why the interest has focused on an ‘’older” social class while the revolution was led by young people?
The answer is simple: young Tunisians have abandoned political parties because they are convinced that their speech is not a real solution to their problems.
Will this turnout increase during the second round?
I think the voter turnout of young people would not increase since they no longer expect anything from political parties. But the fact remains that everything could change on the occurrence of specific events. Still, one could estimate such improvement when the competition will become stronger.
Moncef Marzouki has invited his opponent to a televised debate. This request was rejected by Beji Caid Essebsi who saw it as a “rams fight.” What do you think?
Each candidate has the right to invite his opponent to a televised debate. This is one of the traditions known in advanced countries. But each has his positions and visions. It is important to note that each position regardless of its place has specific background.
And what about the formation of a new government, knowing that Marzouki has sent a letter to Beji Caid Essebsi asking him to form the future government. A request that has sparked controversy in political circles?
The best solution is to go back to the text of the Constitution. It should be recalled that Article 89 of the Constitution is implemented and that on the basis of the transitional provisions. This article stipulates that within a week after the announcement of final election results, the President asks the candidate of the political party or electoral coalition having obtained the largest number of seats in the House of people’s Representatives to form the government, within one month, renewable once. In case of equal number of seats, the appointment is made according to the number of votes obtained.
Therefore, this article is already implemented since November 21, the date of announcement of the final results of parliamentary elections.
I think the solution is in the Constitution, and the controversy sparked in recent times would certainly have an impact on the implementation of the constitution in the coming period.
