A new constitution proposed by President Qais Syed was adopted by referendum

A new constitution proposed by Tunisian President Gais Zhei, which will significantly strengthen the powers of the head of state, was adopted by 94.6% of the vote, according to final results published by the electoral commission on Tuesday 16 August. The text shall come into force after the proclamation of the President and its publication in the Official Gazette.

The new constitution establishes a supreme presidency, breaking limits on the head of state’s power since 2014 to avoid a return to dictatorships like Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, who was ousted in 2011 during the Jasmine Revolution. By this text, the president can appoint and dismiss the head of government and ministers at his will, he cannot be impeached. A second chamber will also be created within the parliament to represent the Tunisian regions.

However, only 30.5% votes were registered. The opposition, which has called for a boycott of the July 25 election, condemns Qais Syed’s increasing use of power. President [élu en] In particular, the Parliament will be suspended from July 2021, and the Supreme Council of the Judiciary will be replaced by a body “temporary” At the same time, it gives itself the power to remove judges. Human rights defenders have warned of the risk of a return to authoritarianism.