25th Oct 11
Tunisia election turnout over 90 per cent
by Harry Oldfield
A new era: Tunisians flock to the first democratic vote
A new era: Tunisians flock to the first democratic vote
Over 90 per cent of registered Tunisian voters turned out to cast their ballet in the country’s elections – the Arab spring’s first democratic test.
Election officials had initially stated that turnout was over 70 per cent two hours prior to the closure of voting booths, and had passed 80 per cent in certain areas. However, by later on Sunday night, it became clear that the population was even more enthusiastic about voting than had been expected.
Boubaker Bethabet, the secretary-general of the ISIE electoral commission, said that over 90 per cent of roughly 4.1 million citizens who registered prior to the poll had voted on Sunday – at least 50 per cent of all eligible voters. There were no figures provided for the remaining 3.1 million people who failed to register even though they were permitted to vote.
US President Barack Obama congratulated the country on the vote, describing it as an important step in the right direction. He said that the US reaffirms its commitment to the people of Tunisia as they head towards a democratic future which offers justice, freedom of expression, dignity and a greater economic opportunity for everyone.
Long queues lined up all over the country. The Islamist Party Ennahda has been predicted to come out as the strongest party when details of the count are declared today, with up to 40 per cent of the total vote.
However, in a sign of just how divisive the party’s message of bringing an end to 50 years nationalist, aggressively secular rule Rached Ghannoucji, its leader, was heckled and jeered upon casting his ballot in the capital Tunis, with opponents hurling abuse and calling him a terrorist. Mr Ghammouchi had resided in exile in London since 1989 until President Zine al-Abedine Ben Ali was overthrown in January.
But the overall mood was determined and cheerful. When Mr Ghannouchi attempted to head directly to the polling booth fellow voters stopped him, informing him that “the queue for democracy starts here” and forced him to join the back of a line which stretch back around half a mile.
After the vote has been counted a president alongside an interim parliament will govern for one year and decide upon a new constitution. No party will gain an overall majority, meaning Tunisia is likely to move towards a further period of uncertainty. The range of the parties involved demonstrates the desire for change which most Tunisians have but also the difficulties which the political system will encounter in forming clear political lines during the year ahead.
There were a total of 110 parties in addition to independents, represented by over 11,000 candidates for the parliament of 218 seats. Each list must comprise of 50 per cent women, an effort to ward off concerns that the revolution will bring an end to the country’s reputation as the most progressive state in the Arab world.
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