Tunisia: Optimism Expressed About Elections

As Tunisia’s historic elections quickly approach, the international community has shown signs of optimism regarding the electoral process and outcomes. Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) wrote in the Wall Street Journal that “although overshadowed by other events in the region, Tunisia’s vote is a major milestone for the cause of freedom in the Middle East, and it underscores Tunisia’s potential as a democratic success story that deserves U.S. attention and support.” Lieberman further underscored his hope that “Tunisia’s revolution has already inspired the rest of the Arab world. The consolidation there of a stable, democratic government working effectively to meet the needs of its people would likewise serve as a powerful model abroad.”

Human Rights Watch released the results of a survey the organization submitted to fifteen major political parties in Tunisia regarding their stances on human rights. The briefing paper, which discussed the results,  found that “many parties competing in Tunisia’s election…believe that basic freedoms should be protected, but they disagree about circumstances under which freedoms could be limited.” The report also “revealed agreement among most of the political parties that the new constitution should protect public freedoms, including freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and the freedom to form political parties. However…they disagree on limits to freedom of expression when it concerns the right to privacy, the protection of minorities against hate speech, and the ‘defamation of religions.’” Human Rights Watch is urging  the “constituent assembly to guarantee…effective protection of human rights as they are recognized internationally, including those of equality and non-discrimination. ”

In writing about potential outcomes of the Tunisian elections, David Pollock noted  in  PolicyWatch that “a moderate Islamist party governing in coalition with secularists will offer Tunisia a reasonable chance at real democracy.” Pollock speculates that the Islamist Ennahdha (Renaissance) Party “is likely to become the largest faction in the legislature…[and] published polls show it garnering around 25 percent support.” Anthony Shadid reports that “Mr. Ghannouchi [leader of the Islamic EnNahda Party] boldly predicted Wednesday that his Renaissance Party would win a majority in the elections…[but notes that] even if the party won a majority in the elections, a coalition was essential not only to draft the constitution but also to run Tunisia during the transition.”