On Wednesday 27 July, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, took note of the provisional results of the constitutional referendum held in Tunisia on 25 July, which was marred by a “low turnout” (see EUROPE 12990/20).
According to preliminary official results, the new Constitution was adopted by 94.6% of the vote, but the turnout was only 30.5%.
“A broad consensus among the various political forces, including (...) civil society, is both essential for the success of a process that preserves the democratic achievements and necessary for all the major political and economic reforms Tunisia will undertake”, the High Representative stressed in his statement on behalf of the EU. He warned that the legitimacy and sustainability of these reforms would depend on this.
Mr Borrell said that the preparation and conduct of the legislative elections announced for December should be an opportunity to “foster a genuine exchange within the framework of an inclusive national dialogue”.
According to him, this dialogue will be an important condition for establishing a legislative framework that ensures the future parliament’s legitimacy and representation. The High Representative added that the parliamentary election will be the “cornerstone” of the country’s return to the normal functioning of its institutions “with full respect for democratic principles, in particular the separation of powers, consolidation of the Rule of law, pluralism and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms”.
Mr Borrell also warned that “freedom of expression, freedom of the press, freedom to demonstrate and other fundamental freedoms are essential values of democratic states (...) which must be preserved”.
Stating that the EU would continue to follow developments closely, the High Representative reaffirmed the EU’s readiness and willingness to provide political support for a successful democratic transition. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)