Brussels, 29/10/14 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 28 October, the EU welcomed the holding of elections in Tunisia two days earlier. The elections were won by the secularists and the Islamistist Ennahdha party fell into second place. It was unanimously emphasised that this is the first time the proponents of “political Islam” have been ejected in one of the “Arab revolution” countries, without protests or trouble.
The EU said that it was eager to congratulate the Tunisian people on its active participation in the elections and that these were “the sign of a genuine democratic rootedness in Tunisian society… a major accomplishment in a regional context… that has been characterised by instability and violence. We will be following the outcome of the entirely transparent electoral process with interest”. The EU said that it was “ready to work in close collaboration” with those newly elected and to offer them advice and that they should focus on the “essential task of consolidating the political and institutional transition and tackling the economic and social challenges… as well as creating a legal environment that is business and investment friendly and helps to stimulate economic activity and relaunch the job creation process throughout the country”.
The obviously circumspect tone of the message was expressed late via a simple “statement from the spokesperson”. This has been noticed and the subject of much comment. Official Tunisian sources have not given up hope for a more substantial political declaration that would at least be clearly expressed.
European Parliament President Martin Schulz was clearly more enthusiastic and was quick to, “congratulate the Tunisian people on this democratic undertaking”. He also welcomed the, “exceptional involvement of civil society” whose, “level of commitment and responsibility” he also praised. He asserted that, “Tunisian civil society has demonstrated to everyone that this involvement is crucial for all countries in democratic transition”. He said that, “the Tunisian people can be proud of having today opened a new chapter in its thousand year old history”. He called on those newly elected to “preserve the spirit of compromise and responsibility that has prevailed up until now”. He concluded that the Tunisian people could still count on the unwavering support of the EU and European Parliament.
Speaking on behalf of the European parliament delegation that have been taking part in the election observation mission in Tunisia, Michael Gahler (EPP, Germany), welcomed the way in which the election had proceeded. He was delighted with the “frank and open” dialogue established with the leaders of the main political parties that had been met.
The president of the Socialists and Democrats Group at the European Parliament, Gianni Pittella, said on Tuesday that the Tunisian people “had demonstrated its clear determination to push forward the country's democratic transformation” and ensure the well-being of all citizens. He also said that this, “was opening up a new chapter in the history of democratic transition in this country where hope has never been as close as it is to reality: the time has now come for a major effort to be made to create the new democratic Tunisia”.
During a press conference in Tunisia, the head of the European election observation mission, Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck (ALDE, Belgium), used a pre-report to underline the fact that the election had not been subject to any irregularities, apart from a few cases where there had been problems. (FB)