Our website use cookies to improve and personalize your experience and to display advertisements (if any). Our website may also include cookies from third parties like Google Adsense, Google Analytics, and Youtube. By using the website, you consent to the use of cookies.

Tunisian constitution panel head blasts president’s draft

THE head of Tunisia’s constitution committee blasted a proposed constitution published by President Kais Saied, local media reported, reinforcing opposition fears that Saied was seeking to impose a unilateral charter.

Sadok Belaid, a former constitutional law professor was named by Saied to draft a “new constitution for a new republic”, said Saied’s version was dangerous and did not resemble the first draft proposed by the constitution committee, the Assabeh newspaper said.

Belaid said the draft constitution published by the president contains chapters that could pave the way for “a disgraceful dictatorial regime”.

His proposal would dilute the roles of the parliament and judiciary, prompting accusations he is undoing democratic gains that Tunisians won in a 2011 revolution.

Advertisements

Saied seized most powers last year, brushing aside the 2014 democratic constitution and dismissing the elected parliament to say he would rule by decree while he remakes the political system.

A chapter of the proposed constitution includes the phrase, “In case of the imminent danger, the president can extend his term.” Belaid said this would “pave the way for a disgraceful dictatorship”.

Saied last year used an “imminent danger” clause in the current constitution to dismiss the government and control executive powers, establishing one-man rule.

His proposed constitution would create a Council of Regions as a second chamber of parliament but gives no details on how it would be elected or what powers it would have.

READ:  Ten years on, anger grows in Tunisian town where 'Arab Spring' began

Belaid said the president’s proposal to limit membership of the Constitutional Court to judges named by the president would undermine its independence.

Advertisements
By TAREK AMARA

MORE FROM THIS SECTION