Brussels, 24/10/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 24 October, the day after elections were held on a constituent assembly, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton “congratulated” and “paid tribute” to the Tunisian people and their peaceful struggle for their rights and democratic aspirations.
These “historic” elections, which gave Tunisians the opportunity for the first time to freely choose their democratic representatives, “mark the beginning of a new era in Tunisia”, Ashton said. “In a climate of freedom, millions of citizens stood in line to cast their votes and decide their future in a peaceful and orderly manner”, she added. According to initial estimates more than 90% of the population turned out to vote.
The constituent assembly, made up of 217 members, will be charged with drafting a new constitution and appointing a new executive to stand until the next general election. (CG/transl.rt)