São Paulo – The parliamentary elections held last Sunday in Tunisia have paved the way for political stability and the resumption of economic development, according to the Tunisian ambassador in Brasília, Sabri Bachtobji. “For the first time in history, Tunisians will experience a peaceful transfer of power,” he told ANBA over the telephone.
Although official figures had not been disclosed as of Wednesday afternoon (29th), when Bachtobji gave the interview, preliminary data indicated the victory of the secular party Nidaa Tounes (“Call of Tunisia”) in the poll for the Parliament’s 217 chairs, a fact recognized by the president of the moderate Islamic party Ennahda (“Renaissance”), Rachid Ghannouchi.
Ennahda won the first elections held after the popular uprising that ousted the dictator Zine El Abdine Ben Ali, in 2011, and remained the head of government up until January this year, when he handed the power over to a transitional administration to govern the country until the elections and the formation of a new cabinet.
“The Ennahda has congratulated the leader of Nidaa Tounes [Béji Caïd Essebsi], in recognition of the preliminary results,” said Bachtobji. Once the result is confirmed, the winning party will work to form a coalition government and obtain majority in Parliament. “The scenario will be even clearer after the presidential election [on November 23rd] and the final result of the parliamentary election. There will be a new political configuration,” he added.
The diplomat believes the political orchestration that enabled a new constitution to be passed, the establishment of a transitional government and the peaceful elections marks the advent of a new frame of mind in the country. “Tunisians are experiencing the notion of consensus. It is a brand new culture,” he remarked.
According to him, politicians are willing to converse and lead the country into a “Second Republic,” the first of which was proclaimed in 1957, after a short monarchical period that followed Tunisia’s independence from France the previous year.
Rebound
To the ambassador, the much-awaited political stability is a “sine qua non condition” for the country to meet its main challenge: the resumption of economic growth. “Addressing the economic challenge is the responsibility of the entire political class,” he stressed. “People expect quick decisions that will lead to a development model that addresses the demands of those who made the revolution,” he said.
He recalled that economic issues sparked the uprising that led to the termination of Ben Ali’s 20-plus year regime. The main issues include unemployment and uneven regional development. “The revolution erupted in the countryside,” he said, highlighting the need for a regionally-oriented development strategy in the country. Over 15% of the economically active population are unemployed, one of the highest rates in the Middle East and North Africa, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Tunisia is also in dire need of external financing, estimated at almost US$ 12 billion this year, according to the IMF, and is relying on funding from international financial institutions such as the World Bank and the IMF itself.
To this end, Bachtobji emphasized the need to “re-launch” promotional actions designed to attract foreign direct investment and tourists, a major local economic activity. He believes now is the “best time” to invest in Tunisia, because in addition to the transition into democracy, the first of its kind in the Arab world, the country “meets all requirements” for doing business, such as being close to major markets, having skilled workers and boasting excellent geographical location.
“Our doors are open to visitors and tourists, and for [entrepreneurs] to see the possibilities in partnerships, investment and trade,” the ambassador said in a reference to Brazilian businessmen.
Process
The diplomat also listed three key aspects of the elections, apart from the outcome. Firstly, the skill displayed by the provisional government, headed by prime-minister Mehdi Jomaa, in leading the country through the transition and creating the necessary conditions for the poll, especially as regards security. “Considering the regional scenario and the terrorist attacks, the security afforded by the [government] and the security forces was laudable,” he said.
Secondly, he mentioned how the Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE, in French), established by the new constitution, carried out the elections. “The organization fulfilled its duty despite its lack of past experience. It was the first democratic election post-constitution, not an easy process,” he said.
Finally, Bachtobji mentioned international community’s reaction to the elections. Several countries and multilateral organizations have praised the “world-class standards” of the Tunisian poll and complimented the country.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
