A Guide to the Tunisian Elections
"Despite confusion over the electoral process and dissatisfaction with political parties, Tunisians have considerable expectations for the period following the elections. Since Ben Ali's ouster, people have been frustrated with the slow pace of reform, but in recent weeks they have tempered their demands with the understanding that elections must take place before their grievances can be genuinely addressed. Yet the legitimacy that comes with being an elected body also means that people will demand more from the National Constituent Assembly. Unfortunately, as the political landscape becomes increasingly polarized, there is a risk that the coming period will be marked by gridlock. ...Yet with a reeling economy and a tenuous security situation, it is crucial that political parties work together to tackle Tunisia's daunting challenges. Failure to do so could derail the country's democratic transition. These elections, therefore, are about more than selecting a constituent assembly, they will determine the prospects for genuine democracy taking hold in Tunisia." Read more
By Daphne McCurdy, Project on Middle East Democracy, October 2011