There is less than 24
hours left before the results of the Tunisian election are announced. Since the last polls showed that there were
an immense number of undecided voters, it’s really anyone’s game right now.
Like in every
election, there will be surprises, winners and losers. One of the most
important parts will be the reaction to the results by the parties. If the
organization that oversees the election and the numerous outside observers see
no fraud in the vote, all parties must accept the results – for better or for
worse. If this is not the case, the transition to democracy could be seriously
hampered and we could witness the region lose stability.
For the time being,
most of the political parties have said they will live with the results.
Ennahda’s leader however has stated earlier this week that he feared electoral
fraud. In a surprising declaration, Rached Ghannouchi said that he was
confident his team would win a majority and that if any foul play was suspected
in the tally, he would immediately join with revolutionary forces. He also
commented on the possibility of a coalition, saying “if the progressive parties
join forces against Ennadha in the event of a win for us, it will be a direct
attack on democracy.”
Almost instantly, many
voices denounced his statements, deeming them to be preparations in the event
of a loss – fuel to the fire, aimed at their militants. Ettakatol and the PDP
have tried to calm things down, calling for people to not give in to fear and
reminding them that a coalition government is part of democracy.
With that said, things
are relatively positive up to this point. Protests regarding the Nessma TV
incident have ceased and the only crowds gathered in the downtown area of Tunis
were to celebrate Gadhafi’s death. The only thing out of place is the delivery
of ballot boxes by military trucks around the city.
A few regrettable
incidents have unfortunately occurred during the diaspora votes in Qatar,
Algeria and Lebannon. The heads of three voting stations were fired a day or
two before the elections for partisan reasons. Reports came out saying that the
offices were sending out text messages to encourage electors to vote for
Ennahda.
Even with this minor incident, there was a strong sense of euphoria in social networks yesterday. Many Tunisians shared their joy towards having the right to vote for the first time. Everything seems in place for a peaceful vote without any problems. I'll say this much; given the actual situation, things could hardly go better in Tunisia.
Even with this minor incident, there was a strong sense of euphoria in social networks yesterday. Many Tunisians shared their joy towards having the right to vote for the first time. Everything seems in place for a peaceful vote without any problems. I'll say this much; given the actual situation, things could hardly go better in Tunisia.
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