Tunisian Shift to Democracy: Essebsi Declares Victory for Democracy
Tunisian Shift to Democracy: Essebsi Declares Victory for Democracy
Veteran political leader Beji Caid Essebsi gained victory in the presidential run-off vote which is seen as a major step forward for democracy in Tunisia four years following the ouster of autocrat Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali. The election was held on Sunday and the official results were declared on Monday, 22nd December 2014. Incumbent president Moncef Marzouki faced a clear defeat following the counting of the results.
Run up To The Election Results
Official results were not declared until Monday. Till then, Marzouki refused to concede defeat. Following the closure of the polls, Essebsi announced that he would be winning the elections. When Marzouki refused to concede defeat, results were awaited.
Aftermath of the Arab Spring 2011 Revolt
Victory for Essebsi enabled the consolidation of power with the new secular party Nidaa Tounes or Call For Tunisia controlling the Parliament following the loss of the major Islamist party during the legislative elections in October. Tunisia has been seen as a major change for this region which is coping following the Arab Spring movement of 2011.
"I dedicate my victory to the martyrs of Tunisia. I thank Marzouki, and now we should work together without excluding anyone," Essebsi told local television reporters.
"Tunisia has won today, democracy has won, we need to stay united. Despite the claims of our adversary, all indications are positive for us, we look ahead,” he also told his supporters.
Arab’s Most Secular Nation
Tunisia is counted as one of the most secular Arab nations in the world. It has overcome the post Arab Spring revolt divisions troubling Egypt and Libya currently. “Remnants” or former regime officials might be able to restore and keep Tunis democracy on course, analysts have opined. Essebsi secured 39% of the votes in the first round of ballot in the month of November while Marzouki won around 33% of the votes.
Technocrat Tunis Candidate Triumphs Again
Essebsi had argued with the critics that he was the technocrat Tunisia needed. He held that this is what was needed following three years of Islamist led coalition government.
The Ben Ali era was the time when Marzouki himself sought refuge in France. This was the time of the Jasmine Revolution which forced the former leader to go into exile. Many Tunisians have associated the Marzouki presidency with the same level of barriers that hardline Islamists brought to this Arab nation.
Compromise a Key For Tunis Elections
Compromise has always been a part of Tunisian politics. Essebsi’s party had reached a deal with the Islamist Ennahda Renaissance party to overcome a crisis brought into the murder filled politics of this nation. Ennahda stepped down to make for the technocrat government, yet Islamists remain a powerful force to contend with as they have garnered the second largest number of seats in the new Parliament.
Essebsi has appealed to secular and liberal sections of Tunisia and this has worked in his favour as well. The presidency currently has limited powers over national defence as well as foreign policy too. In a first for this nation, Essebsi won the free presidential elections towards the final step of the transition for democracy.
A former Ben Ali official, Essebsi has beaten rival Moncef Marzouki, having garnered 55.68% of the votes as against 44.32% in the run off ballot between the two contenders on Sunday. However, there was post poll violence as well. Southern towns protested against the return of the old guard and an office of the Nidaa Tounes party was also set ablaze in protest.
As a former parliamentary speaker under Ben Ali, Essebsi himself is an experienced technocrat.
Rival Speaks Out
In a brief television address, Marzouki has accepted his defeat and said he would not challenge what he believed to be voting irregularities. His rival, Essebsi has spent close to 5 decades in Tunisian politics and the victory is seen as setback for the 2011 revolt which ousted Ben Ali and set the North African country on the path towards complete democracy.
US Lauds Democracy in Tunisia
The Tunisian uprising had also led to the spread of the Arab Spring revolts across North Africa as well as the Middle East. US President Barack Obama as well as US Secretary of State John Kerry have already extended their congratulations to the winner of this round of elections. "Tunisia has provided a shining example to the region and the world of what can be achieved through dedication to democracy, consensus, and an inclusive political process," Secretary of State John Kerry was quoted as saying.
Essebsi also dismissed critics who have charged him with bringing back the corruption and abuses of the era of Ben Ali. With the latest developments, Essebsi will have to make decisions regarding the PM and formation of the new coalition in conjunction with smaller parties in the Parliament. It will also have to tackle low level Islamist militancy and economic reforms which are politically sensitive. Ennahda currently has the second largest number of seats in the Congress. Essebsi cannot afford to let down his guard yet.
Conclusion
The fundamental building block of democracy is polling which is free and fair. Tunisia has experienced political turbulence for some time now. This nation is inching towards democracy but the big question is whether the technocrats will be able to handle the hardliners. In any democratic nation, there are deep divisions when it comes to ballots and poll results. Sometimes, hung assemblies can also result. The key to real success for political leaders is to never compromise on their principles, regardless of how hardly political battle is fought.
