The political framework of Tunisia

Political Outline

Current Political Leaders

President: Kaïs Saïed (since 23 October 2019)
Prime Minister: Kamel Maddouri (since 8 August 2024)

Next Election Dates

Presidential: 2029
Assembly of the Representatives of the People: December 2027

Main Political Parties

In 2022, President Kais Saied implemented a decree prohibiting political parties from participating in legislative elections. This move significantly altered the political environment, leading to a notable decline in the influence of traditional political parties. Consequently, many established parties have experienced a reduction in their political presence.

Dominant political parties:

• Ennahda: moderate Islamist party that has historically been a significant political force in Tunisia
• Nidaa Tounes: secular, modernist party with a focus on security and national unity.

Other noteworthy parties include:

• Popular Front: leftist coalition formed by the fusion of socialist, progressive, green, and Arab nationalist parties
• Afek Tounes: center-right, secular, and liberal party
• Tahya Tounes: secular, liberal, and Bourguibist party
• Machrouu Tounes: big-tent secularist party.

Executive Power

The President of the Republic is the Head of State, elected for a five-year term through universal, free, direct, and secret suffrage, with an absolute majority of votes required. The President sets the general policies for national security, foreign relations, and defense, ensures the proper functioning of constitutional authorities, and maintains the continuity of the State. The President is limited to a four-term mandate. The President also nominates the Prime Minister, typically from the party or coalition with the most parliamentary seats, though this was subject to change after the 2022 constitutional reforms. The Prime Minister then appoints ministers, although the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense must be appointed with the President's agreement.

Following the 2022 constitutional referendum, the President’s powers were significantly increased. The President now has the authority to appoint the Prime Minister and all government members without parliamentary approval and can dismiss them unilaterally. The President is also protected from censure unless a two-thirds majority in Parliament agrees.

Legislative Power

The people exercise legislative power through a representative assembly, the Assembly of the Representatives of the People, or by referendum. The Assembly currently consists of 161 deputies elected by universal direct suffrage for a five-year term.
The 2022 Constitution created a second chamber called the Council of Regions and Districts. Its members are indirectly elected by regional and district councils, not by universal suffrage (Article 81). Overall, the new constitution reduces the powers of the parliament. While it can still draft and enact laws, it can only pass a motion of no confidence in the government with a two-thirds majority in both chambers.

Indicator of Political Freedom

Political Freedom:

2/7