The head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, indicated that the European Union had taken note of the provisional results of the controversial constitutional referendum in Tunisia which took place on 25 July. European diplomacy reminds Tunisia, in this sense, of the fundamentals of democracy at this “crucial” moment.
The High Representative on behalf of the European Union did not fail to point out that this referendum was marked by a “low turnout” despite the fact that it is “yes” who won in the country.
Several Tunisian political forces boycotted this referendum on a new Constitution which strengthens the powers of the president. They immediately rejected the results.
The president of the Free Destourian Party (PDL) Abir Moussi, for example, assured at a press conference held on Thursday that her party does not recognize the referendum and considered that President Kais Saied violated the laws and electoral silence. .
“The new constitution in Tunisia is worrying. I find the low turnout in the referendum notable. Checks and balances are essential for democracy. Tunisia faces many challenges; unity and dialogue are the way to overcome them. Germany & the European Union will continue to support Tunisians »indicated for his part, Tobias Tunkel, the director of the Middle East and North Africa at the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
New constitution in #Tunisia is reason for concern. I find low turnover in referendum notable. Checks&balances are essential for #democracy. Tunisia faces many challenges; unity and dialogue are the way to overcome them. #Germany & #EU will continue to support 🇹🇳 people.
— Tobias Tunkel (@GermanyOnMENA) July 27, 2022
“A broad consensus among the different political forces, including political parties and civil society, is essential for the success of a process that preserves democratic gains and necessary for all the important political and economic reforms that Tunisia will undertake”Borrell said, saying the “legitimacy and sustainability” of the reforms will depend on it.
“The European Union will continue to follow developments closely and will stand by the Tunisian people and listen to their needs at this crucial time for the country,” and reaffirms its availability and willingness to provide political support to successfully complete a democratic transition in Tunisia, said the senior European official.
And to underline the the major socio-economic and financial challenges facing Tunisia » and that “require urgent structural reforms”.
Concerning the legitimacy of the future Tunisian parliament, the European Union considered that the dialogue with all the political and social forces of the country, within the framework of a national dialogue, will be decisive ahead of the legislative elections announced for December.
“As the European Union and the Venice Commission have repeatedly pointed out, this dialogue will constitute an important condition for establishing a legislative framework ensuring the legitimacy and representativeness of the future Parliament. The election of the parliament will form the cornerstone of the return of the country to a regular functioning of the institutions”it is noted.
And to stress that it will be necessary to fully respect the“democratic principles, in particular the separation of powers, the consolidation of the rule of law, pluralism as well as respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms”.
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