The political framework of Tunisia

Political Outline

Current Political Leaders

President: Kaïs Saïed (since 23 October 2019)
Prime Minister: Kamel Maddouri (since 8 August 2024)

Next Election Dates

Presidential: 2029
Assembly of the Representatives of the People: December 2027

Current Political Context

Tunisia is characterised by a very unstable political context. In October 2019, Kais Saied won the presidential elections over Nabil Karoui and seized exceptional powers in the context of social unrest due to the worsening economic situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In September, Saied suspended the legislature and secured public backing in a July 25th 2022 referendum for a new constitution that weakens the parliament's powers in favour of the presidency. In fact, the new government does not need the approval of the parliament, and cannot be censored without a two-thirds majority of both parliament and a newly constituted council of regional representatives.
For the first time since the 2022 constitution, Tunisia held presidential elections on October 6, 2024. The Independent High Authority for Polls (ISIE) rejected a number of candidates, including President Kais Saied's principal rivals, and the majority of parties abstained from the polls. Contrary to the constitution, which prohibits appealing court rulings, Mondher Zenaidi, Abdellatif Mekki, and Imed Daïmi, who had been reinstated by the Administrative Court, were refused, leaving only Saied, Zouhair Maghzaoui, and Ayachi Zammel affirmed. The ISIE rejected the Administrative Court's order on September 14th to admit these candidates and the Assembly of the Representatives of the People responded by passing an amendment that gave the Court of Appeal of Tunis the court's authority. In the weeks leading up to the election, Zammel was imprisoned and sentenced to over thirteen years for false sponsorship, a move seen by many as judicial harassment to eliminate his candidacy, also considering that similar difficulties were encountered by other contenders as well. Saied ultimately prevailed with 91% of the vote, despite the lowest voter turnout since the revolution (just under 29%). On October 21, he was sworn in for a second term.

Main Political Parties

In 2022, President Kais Saied implemented a decree prohibiting political parties from participating in legislative elections. This move significantly altered the political environment, leading to a notable decline in the influence of traditional political parties. Consequently, many established parties have experienced a reduction in their political presence.

Dominant political parties:

• Ennahda: moderate Islamist party that has historically been a significant political force in Tunisia
• Nidaa Tounes: secular, modernist party with a focus on security and national unity.

Other noteworthy parties include:

• Popular Front: leftist coalition formed by the fusion of socialist, progressive, green, and Arab nationalist parties
• Afek Tounes: center-right, secular, and liberal party
• Tahya Tounes: secular, liberal, and Bourguibist party
• Machrouu Tounes: big-tent secularist party.

Executive Power

The President of the Republic is the Head of State, elected for a five-year term through universal, free, direct, and secret suffrage, with an absolute majority of votes required. The President sets the general policies for national security, foreign relations, and defense, ensures the proper functioning of constitutional authorities, and maintains the continuity of the State. The President is limited to a four-term mandate. The President also nominates the Prime Minister, typically from the party or coalition with the most parliamentary seats, though this was subject to change after the 2022 constitutional reforms. The Prime Minister then appoints ministers, although the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense must be appointed with the President's agreement.

Following the 2022 constitutional referendum, the President’s powers were significantly increased. The President now has the authority to appoint the Prime Minister and all government members without parliamentary approval and can dismiss them unilaterally. The President is also protected from censure unless a two-thirds majority in Parliament agrees.

Legislative Power

The people exercise legislative power through a representative assembly, the Assembly of the Representatives of the People, or by referendum. The Assembly currently consists of 161 deputies elected by universal direct suffrage for a five-year term.
The 2022 Constitution created a second chamber called the Council of Regions and Districts. Its members are indirectly elected by regional and district councils, not by universal suffrage (Article 81). Overall, the new constitution reduces the powers of the parliament. While it can still draft and enact laws, it can only pass a motion of no confidence in the government with a two-thirds majority in both chambers.

Indicator of Freedom of the Press

World Rank:

73/180

Indicator of Political Freedom

Ranking:

Free

Political Freedom:

2/7

Political freedom in the world (interactive map)
Source: Freedom in the World Report, Freedom House