Tunisia’s Parliament Approves Law Stripping Top Court of Electoral Dispute Power
In a move that has sparked fears among opposition groups just nine days before the upcoming presidential elections in Tunisia, the country’s Parliament has backed a law that removes the top court’s authority to rule on electoral disputes.
Key Points:
– The measure was approved by a majority of 116 out of 161 lawmakers in the chamber.
– The draft law effectively strips the administrative court of its power, which is considered Tunisia’s last independent judicial body after President Kais Saied dissolved the Supreme Judicial Council and dismissed numerous judges in 2022.
– The court has clashed with the country’s electoral commission (ISIE), whose members are appointed by Saied, over the disqualification of three presidential candidates. The court overturned the decision to bar the candidates, but the ISIE only allowed two candidates to run against Saied.
– Businessman Ayachi Zammel, one of the candidates allowed to run, was recently imprisoned on allegations of forging voter endorsements, which he claims are politically motivated.
– Opposition groups and rights activists have denounced the amendment as undemocratic, with calls for protests against the move.
Analysis:
The approval of this law raises concerns about the state of democracy and the rule of law in Tunisia. By limiting the power of the top court in electoral disputes, there is a risk of consolidating power in the hands of President Saied and undermining the independence of the judiciary.
For the average citizen, this development could have far-reaching implications:
– It potentially undermines the fairness and integrity of the upcoming presidential elections.
– It raises questions about the separation of powers and the checks and balances within the Tunisian government.
– It highlights the importance of an independent judiciary in upholding the rule of law and protecting democratic principles.
Overall, the approval of this law underscores the ongoing political tensions and challenges facing Tunisia as it navigates its democratic transition. It serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions and upholding the principles of accountability and transparency in governance.