After a period of fear and uncertainty concerning the postponement of the election date, raising a controversy among Tunisian political parties which opposed it or agreed on it, Beji Caid Essebsi announced, Wednesday, that October 23, 2011 was chosen as the final date for holding the Constituent Assembly election after a long consultation with the majority of political parties.
“Our concern is to hold transparent elections” said the Prime Minister of the Interim Government to an audience composed mainly of Media, representatives of political parties and those of the Independent High Authority for Elections.
It is first initiative for a Muslim, Arab and democratic country. “I think this initiative will be warmly welcomed as it will not only involve the people in what will be surely one of the most historic stages of Tunisia, but especially to ensure elections that are surrounded with maximum transparency. ”
Beji Caid Essebsi, a little more talkative about positive points reached despite the political and economic difficulties experienced by Tunisia, called on all stakeholders to work together and collaborate with each other. “Compared with other countries, we are the only ones that have managed to establish a democratic electoral system. It is time to act and bring our contribution to change. All parties should work hand in hand to ensure the success of this Revolution experienced by our Tunisia, a country that is peaceful, free and beautiful as ever and which is open to everybody. ”
The Prime Minister added that this country ”also needs outside help to be able to revive its economy and ensure success to democratic transition. “Hope does exist, but everyone will take his responsibilities and shoulder them and that we should be realistic, “he said, warning however that “it is imperatively necessary to break with all forms of strikes and protests in anticipation of the organization of democratic, free and transparent elections.”
He added that “the economic and social situation facing the country will not tolerate such disruptions notably facing the deterioration of key economic sectors and the situation on the Tunisian-Libyan border, adding that 471,000 refugees have so far entered the Tunisian territory “.
Mixed reactions … but partners that finally agreed.
Yadh Ben Achour, Chairman of the High Authority for achievement of the Revolution Objectives showed his optimism about that date. The date of October 23 will satisfy all political parties, taking into consideration the opinion of the high authority for elections. “Also agreeing on that date, Mokhtar Trifi, Chairman of the Tunisian League for Human Rights (LTDH), expressed hope that this date announced by the prime minister be respected in order to ensure success to this important election date. The league was, from the outset, for the postponement of elections.
About the reactions of different political partners, he said, it is a positive reaction, especially as the Prime Minister led intensive consultations during the last days.” “Everyone must move now to meet the challenge “he said.
For his part, Said Aïdi, Minister of Employment and Vocational training emphasized that the speech of the Prime Minister will help restore confidence.”
We must have confidence in each other, especially as unemployment can be solved with the restoration of trust between different parties with a clear timetable. This is the first step of a long-term work in the fight against this scourge.”
“October 23 is the minimum time for political parties to make themselves known, especially those which have just got the visa. Moreover, it should be noted that the date of July 24 was not studied in clear basis, “noted Wahid Dhiab, President and founder of the Party of January 14, 2011 Forces, stating that this date will ensure that the elections are well controlled and organized.
He urged the Interim Government to help new parties which are striving to work in a healthy climate. “We are taking a clear path to find practical solutions for the difficulties faced by the people of Tunisia during the former regime. We are advancing steadily, since we are a new born on the political scene.
Khédija Cherif, activist and teacher said she was fully convinced by the realistic speech of the Prime Minister whose aim is reconciliation between different actors of the Tunisian society that is currently facing a very delicate situation.”
It’s time to make the transition to a process based on legality in order to restore economic and political balance in the country,” she advocated.
“We must be responsible, and here I can say that civil society should play a decisive role to remedy the situation and achieve the objectives of the Revolution. »
