Tunisia » Politics

President in Tunisia is not only the head of the state but also the head of the government elected by popular vote. The president of Tunisia is elected after every five years and he is the one who appoints the Prime Minister and the cabinet. Rassemblement Constitutionnel Democratique or RCD is the official ruling party of Tunisia. The constitution was adopted on 1 June 1959 and later amended in 1988 and then in 2002. Mohamed Ghannouchi is the serving Prime Minister of Tunisia. Government and the Chamber of Deputies of Tunisia have the legislative power. The Chamber of Deputies has 182 seats, with 20% for the opposition. Chamber of Advisors have representatives from political parties organizations and personalities appointed by the president. Both chambers have more than 20% of women. The judiciary of Tunisia is independent. The military in Tunisia does not interfere with the political affairs of the country.

Historical Government

Habib Bourguiba is a dominant figure in the politics of Tunisia.  He was the head of the Néo-Destour Party, formed in 1934, that played an important role in leading Tunisia to independence from France. When Tunisia gained independence from France in 1956, Habib Bourguiba assumed the duties as the  first Prime minister  of Tunisia. After the monarchy was overthrown in 1957 and Tunisia declared a replublic Bourguiba became the first president of Tunisia. He established a one party state with policies aiming to modernize the country. He was a strong supporter of women rights and believed in keeping religion out of politics. By the end of 1980s, Bourguiba’s rule encountered economic problems followed by civil unrest. 

Current Status

Zine El Abidine Ben Ali succeeded Bourguiba and became the head of the government on 7 November 1987. He introduced policies that lead to economic diversification and progress. Ben Ali increased freedom of press and legalized political parties implementing a multi-party system. Today there are few legal political parties in Tunisia but they don’t enjoy total freedom.  In 2004 election the opposition refused to participate in the elections. In a referendum in 2002 the president extended the age of President’s retirement age allowing him to rule for a longer period of time. The next elections are in October 2009. Ben Ali government has the credit of bringing economic and political stability to the country.