Tunisia's presidential elections: The final showdown
Tunisia's presidential elections: The final showdown
Tunisian's vote for their next president, after calm descended on an initially tense electoral campaign.
3 min read
Marzouki attends an election campaign meeting on 19 December [Anadolu]
Today Tunisians are reaching the end a four-year journey that began with their revolution in December 2010. For days security, armed forces, and civil society activists have been working to ensure the elections are a success. It is hoped there will be a high turnout.
The election campaign [AR] ended calmly, despite initial tension between the two campaigns. In the southern Tunisian city of Madanin supporters of the two candidates,, Nidaa Tounes Party leader Beji Caid Essebsi and current president Moncef Marzouki, threw stones at each other, forcing local security to use tear gas to disperse the two groups.
And on 17 December, the anniversary of the self-immolation of Mohamed Bouazizi in Sidi Bouzid which sparked the revolution, the city’s election sub-committee supervised the signing of a charter calling for calm between the supporters of each candidate.
The election campaign [AR] ended calmly, despite initial tension between the two campaigns. In the southern Tunisian city of Madanin supporters of the two candidates,, Nidaa Tounes Party leader Beji Caid Essebsi and current president Moncef Marzouki, threw stones at each other, forcing local security to use tear gas to disperse the two groups.
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The state needs a national unity government run by an independent person. - Marzouki, presidential candidate |
And on 17 December, the anniversary of the self-immolation of Mohamed Bouazizi in Sidi Bouzid which sparked the revolution, the city’s election sub-committee supervised the signing of a charter calling for calm between the supporters of each candidate.
Over the last few days, the rhetoric of political debates have also calmed down and shown political maturity and an understanding that the next stage can only be managed through consensus and national unity.
During their speeches Essebsi stressed that his opponent was not his enemy, while Marzouki vowed to accept the legal, official results of the election and asked his opponent to do the same. This contrasted with earlier in the campaign when Marzouki said his rival would only be able to win through electoral fraud.
Marzouki also said: "The state needs a national unity government run by an independent person with significant experience in economic affairs."
Essebsi stressed his "respect for the text and spirit of the constitution", and said he would "respect the government's independence." He also pledged to protect the freedom of the press and women's rights, and said he would work to "develop the national dialogue and turn it into a permanent framework for consultation."
Both candidates pledged to reduce unemployment, create job opportunities, and work to overcome Tunisia's social and economic crisis. However, their campaign slogans have focused on political dichotomies aimed at excluding their rival. Marzouki used slogans such as "the old system", "the return to despotism", and "encroachment". Essebsi responded with "the failed troika", "the economic crisis", and "leniency towards terrorism".
The candidates' upbeat discourse shows that it is not clear who will be the winner. Marzouki saw "signs of victory" in the massive crowds attending his public meetings. He said he had "learned many lessons from the campaign, but most importantly that Tunisians are great people that cannot be emotionally manipulated".
At the end of his electoral campaign on Habib Bourguiba Avenue in Tunis, Essebsi said he hoped to "give Tunisians back their smiles" and begin a stage of "action and reform".
The election campaign has highlighted the lack of trust between the two candidates, which will take time to rebuild. It could be argued that the first round of presidential elections caused deep divisions among political elites and the general public. The next president will need to focus on the country's interests and work hard to overcome these divisions. This will involve working closely with political elites and institutions, as well as civil society organisations to maintain stability.
Tunisians are hoping the loser will not hesitate to congratulate the winner, and in doing so establish a tradition for Tunisian elections and democracy in general.
This article is an edited translation from our Arabic edition.
