Tunisia works for effective citizen representation
About two years ago, Tunisian President Kais Saied led a process of political reform that began with the suspension of parliament. The House was controlled by the Muslim Brotherhood, an organisation classified as terrorist in several countries in the region. Subsequently, parliament was dissolved, a new constitution for the country was drafted and parliamentary elections were held as part of the political reform process.
Tunisia's parliament has taken another step on its political reform path by adopting 11 decrees of the draft law on the internal regime of parliament. These are designed to help resolve differences among MPs over the mandate of the speaker of the House. However, the parliamentary opposition was unable to obtain a majority to pass it. This underlines the importance of cooperation and dialogue in Tunisia's political reform process. Although there are differences of opinion among MPs, it is important that they work together to reach effective solutions for the benefit of the country as a whole. With the adoption of these decrees, Tunisia is one step closer to achieving its goal of improving its political situation and building a prosperous future for all its citizens.
Work is underway on new rules of procedure for the parliament, which consist of 171 chapters divided into 13 sections and are based on the 2022 Constitution. The provisions of the rules of procedure include the legislative function, membership of parliamentary blocs and immunities, the structure of the council, consideration of legislative initiatives, control of the government, dialogue with national bodies and councils and international relations, relationship with the media, citizens and civil society, proposal for reform of the constitution, exceptional measures and values and principles of parliamentary action.
The Assembly of People's Representatives has approved Chapter 32 of the internal regime, which establishes the election process for the president and his two deputies. This process will be carried out in one election session for each vacancy in the office, within a maximum period of fifteen days from the date of inspection of the vacancy. The adoption of this chapter aims to ensure a fair and transparent election process, allowing the people's representatives to elect their leaders in a democratic manner. This process is vital to ensure the stability and effectiveness of the Assembly of People's Representatives in representing and defending the interests of the people.
In a plenary session, MPs were divided over the length of Parliament's mandate, with some believing that elections are held at the beginning of each session, while others believe that they are held at the beginning of the first session. In addition, it was established that parliamentary benches should consist of at least 15 MPs and MPs were prohibited from engaging in "party tourism". In addition, Chapter 22 of the draft rules of procedure defining the opposition in Parliament did not obtain the required majority during the vote.
The chapter on opposition states that a deputy or parliamentary bloc that declares itself part of the opposition at the beginning of a parliamentary session is classified as such, according to a written notification addressed to the Presidency of the Council and announced at the next plenary session. A chapter was also adopted stating that representatives cannot be arrested or prosecuted for their opinions or actions in the framework of their parliamentary duties, but do not enjoy parliamentary immunity in cases of defamation offences and exchange of violence or if they obstruct the work of the House. The lifting of immunity is considered through a request from the judicial authority and MPs are prohibited from seeking the help of assistants from foreign organisations established or funded by the Republic of Tunisia.
The president of the Assembly of Representatives of the People of Tunisia, Ibrahim Bouderbala, said that the parliament continues to consider and approve its draft internal regime, in the hope that the new parliament will bring about a qualitative change in the country. Bouderbala stressed the great responsibility of the Council of Representatives, which must do its utmost to meet the aspirations of Tunisians and work to overcome difficulties and make its work a success. He also urged it to speed up the consideration and approval of the draft internal regime.