Tunisia: Statement by leading MEPs on a new Decree Law undermining electoral independence
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Tunisia: Statement by leading MEPs on a new Decree Law undermining electoral independence

The Tunisian president’s latest decree adversely affects electoral independence and the legitimacy of the electoral authority in Tunisia, say David McAllister and Michael Gahler.

On 22 April 2022 the President of the Republic of Tunisia Kaïs Saïed announced a Decree Law (no. 2022-22) that authorises him to modify or adopt legislation in relation to elections and the composition of independent constitutional bodies, without proper consultation. In reaction, the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, David McAllister (EPP, DE), together with the Standing Rapporteur for Tunisia and Chair of the ad hoc delegation to Tunisia, Michael Gahler (EPP, DE) issued the following statement on Wednesday:

“Tunisia stands at a challenging juncture, facing multiple political and economic challenges. In such a situation, as clearly underlined by the Committee on Foreign Affairs delegation that recently visited Tunisia, a genuinely inclusive national dialogue is the only way forward. In the months ahead, clarity, transparency and inclusivity of the roadmap of consultations are of crucial importance.

Against this background, we cannot but deeply regret the adoption of the decree law by the President. This act does away with necessary checks and balances, and adversely affects electoral independence and the legitimacy of the electoral authority during a year with two crucial events for the country – a referendum scheduled for July and parliamentary elections in December. Not only has the decision been taken without broad prior political consultation and at a time without an active elected Parliament, but we believe that the new appointment method could seriously undermine the independence and political neutrality of the election commission, as well as the further consolidation of Tunisian democracy

Furthermore, this decree stands in conflict with international best practices as put forward by the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe, of which Tunisia is a member. We urgently call on President Saïed to follow international good practices and reconsider his decision accordingly. We will continue to follow developments very closely.”

Background

Members of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee visited Tunisia from 11-13 April. After their visit they held a press conference in Tunis at which they strongly encouraged all Tunisian stakeholders to engage in a genuinely inclusive national dialogue to urgently tackle the country’s political and economic crises. Furthermore, after having met with the board of the Independent High Authority for Elections (Instance Superieure Independante pour les Elections, ISIE), they expressed their firm impression that the Tunisian people have full confidence in the professionalism and neutrality of the ISIE, which have been demonstrated in previous elections, and they stressed the importance of preserving its independence.

Soruce: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20220427IPR28015/tunisia-statement-by-leading-meps