News / Africa

Islamist Party Claims Victory in Tunisia Election

Campaign manager of the Ennahda party, Abdelhamid Jlazzi (L) Campaign manager of the Ennahda party, Abdelhamid Jlazzi (L) speaks outside the party's headquarters in Tunis. Moderate Islamists claimed victory on Monday in Tunisia's first democratic election
Campaign manager of the Ennahda party, Abdelhamid Jlazzi (L) Campaign manager of the Ennahda party, Abdelhamid Jlazzi (L) speaks outside the party's headquarters in Tunis. Moderate Islamists claimed victory on Monday in Tunisia's first democratic election
TEXT SIZE - +

Tunisia turns to creating a new constitution and interim government, as election results on Tuesday confirmed a first-place finish by the moderate Islamist party Ennahdha.


Two days after casting their ballots in a peaceful, ebullient vote, Tunisians are back to work Tuesday. Or at least some of them. Outdoor cafes are packed with women and men. Streets are snarled with honking traffic.

University student Hamdi Bin Jebrellah, sporting jeans and sunglasses, is pleased - but not surprised - at the election results.

Bin Jebrellah voted for the Islamist Ennahdha party, which captured the most votes. He says he is glad Islam is now part of Tunisia's politics. He sees Turkey as a good model for his country.

One middle aged woman, who only gave her first name, Emla, voted for a leftist party. But she is still satisfied with the outcome.

Emla says what is essential is the elections were democratic and transparent, and that voter turnout was high. She says democracy is about accepting the results.  

International observers have hailed Tunisia's elections for a new Constituent Assembly.  Just as Tunisia inspired the Arab Spring uprisings, some believe its first democratic vote may be another model.

But Fedia Trabelsi, wearing a maroon hijab and black gloves, is among those who did not go to the polls.

Trabelsi says even if she is veiled, she is against Ennahdha. She believes in a separation of religion and politics.

The new assembly is tasked to write Tunisia's next constitution.  Eric Goldstein, a deputy director for Human Rights Watch, says that alone will be a major challenge.

"Writing a constitution is a huge job because it's going to be the roadmap for laws that are going to be revised and the way the people relate to their government. How much presidential system, how much parliamentary," said Goldstein.

The assembly must also appoint an interim government to run daily affairs. And it must deal with the many problems that fueled Tunisia's January revolution - including the faltering economy and high unemployment.

You May Like

Report: MI5 Tried to Recruit Woolwich Murder Suspect

Suspect's friend, arrested Friday, told BBC Michael Adebolajo had been approached by British security service months ago to work as informant More

Kerry Calls on Nigeria to Stop Human Rights Abuses

After meeting with Nigerian president, US top diplomat welcomes Abuja’s efforts to investigate, reign in excesses by troops fighting Boko Haram militants More

Vintage Apple Computer Sells for $671,400

Auctioneer says buyer is from 'Far East' and wishes to remain anonymous More

Pakistan Reiterates Opposition to US Drone Strikes

Day earlier US President Barack Obama justified 'constrained' drone usage to save lives More

Study Identifies Risks of Human Spread of H7N9 Bird Flu

Study suggest that international measures to contain the H7N9 influenza, in the event of severe outbreak, will need to be targeted in Asia More

Violence Continues in Conakry Over Upcoming Elections

Opposition has called for boycott of elections More

Video Syria's Civil War Fuels Violence in Iraq

Analysts say al-Qaida-linked militants are flowing back and forth from both countries More

Video Star Trek Influence Lives Long and Prospers

As new movie thrills, many are once again discussing the iconic franchise's influence on society, science and technology More

OECD: Developing Green Cities Key to Sustainable Future

OECD suggests strategies to mitigate rapid growth, industrialization in urban centers, which produce about two-thirds of greenhouse gas emissions More

This forum has been closed.
Comments
     
There are no comments in this forum. Be first and add one

Featured Videos

Your JavaScript is turned off or you have an old version of Adobe's Flash Player. Get the latest Flash player.
Your JavaScript is turned off or you have an old version of Adobe's Flash Player. Get the latest Flash player.
Video

Video Volunteers Help Revive LA's Concrete River

The Los Angeles River is a concrete drainage channel through much of its 80-kilometer length. It channels waste-water from storm drains and has become a receptacle for much of the city's trash. But as Mike O'Sullivan reports, the river is slowly being restored with the help of volunteers, who take part in an annual clean-up.