contents
The turnout for the vote on a new constitution was just under 28 percent. According to a post-election survey, the referendum may have been accepted.
With a low voter turnout, the Tunisian people approved a new constitution on Monday. The electoral commission gave the provisional turnout at 27.5 percent.
According to a post-election poll by the Sigma Conseil opinion research institute, 92.3 percent of the votes cast were in favor of the referendum. It is intended to expand the powers of the President at the request of incumbent Kais Saied.
Shortly after the result was announced, hundreds of Saied supporters in the capital Tunis flocked to central Habib Bourguiba Avenue to celebrate.
Prime Minister ousted a year ago
Exactly one year ago – on July 25, 2021 – Saied had deposed the then head of government and forced parliament to suspend its work. He later dissolved Parliament altogether.
The country has since been divided between supporters and opponents of these moves. For months there have been repeated protests for and against the President. Opponents fear that the new constitution will form the basis for a renewed dictatorship in the North African country.
The population is dissatisfied because the gap between rich and poor is widening. The state is in an economic crisis and was hit hard by the corona pandemic.