Military establish a political party in Tunisia .. Is the army losing its neutrality?

Mohamed Ali Latifi - Tunisia

The Tunisians were divided over the announcement of the first political party founded by retired military men, welcoming the move as political engagement is a right of all, and critics called it a preliminary step towards a military coup d'état and lost the image of neutrality that characterized the Tunisian army.

In a press conference held in Tunis on Wednesday, retired military officers announced the establishment of the Helmoua party and the entry into the political arena, a precedent in the history of the country, which raised many questions about the nature and program of the new party and its relationship with other parties.

Many Tunisians expressed fears that the party would be a ride for military access from a new door to carrying out military coups that have become exposed in the Arab world.

Asked about the presence of a military base in Tunisia and the democracy that this military political party could establish, activist Abeer Kahouli said in a post posted on her Facebook page.

On the other hand, Ahmed al-Jadida said in another column that he is not opposed to the formation of a political party composed of elements carrying a weapon led by the former army Colonel Mustapha character, and a military institution known discipline, calling for the need not to distract the military in a delicate security situation, In the range of political bidding.

Tunisians fear that the army, which has been excluded from political rivalries and decisions since its inception, will be affected by political action, which may affect emerging democracy and lose its neutrality that distinguishes it from other armies in the Arab region, such as Egypt and Syria.

Populist parties
Political activist Abdul Jabbar al-Madouri said that the formation of a party that includes former soldiers could be included in the populist parties that have emerged in recent times to present themselves as an alternative to government, taking advantage of the desire of large sections of the Tunisian people to find a real alternative to the ruling coalition.

Al-Madouri told Al-Jazeera Net that Helmoua is trying to invest in the good reputation of the army to employ in a political project whose features are unclear, especially since most of the members are from the military framework, which has never assumed any political responsibility.

Tunisians have always called on Facebook in times of chaos and insecurity by issuing "Statement No. 1" - the army's control of the country and the taking of power.

Observers believe that the regime of deposed President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali not only marginalized and weakened the army, but also prevented the emergence of any military character is well-known, in light of the constant fear of a coup against him, and turned on the late President Habib Bourguiba.

Analysts believe that Ben Ali worked during his rule on the liquidation of each military. In this regard, the issue of the fall of the military helicopter carrying 13 officers remains unclear. It is widely believed to be a planned overthrow, amid calls for a reopening of the investigation and the uncovering of the case.

Alliances and renaissance
For his part, the head of Helmou to Tunisia said that the idea of ​​establishing the party by retired military leaders came after the political failure, in addition to the economic crisis that Tunisia is experiencing, pointing out that the goal is to save Tunisia with a project that serves the state through a program that seeks happiness and the right to life And pride.

He added that the new party is standing at the same distance from all the parties, and that it is not enmity with any party, but will not ally with the parties that failed after the revolution in power, especially the Renaissance movement and "the appeal of Tunisia," considering that the goal of his party is Eliminating ignorance, poverty, organized crime, chaos and bankruptcy.

He said that the party believes that the heart of the government is not in Carthage (the presidency) and that the change of government is taking place in the parliament, so he will pay great attention to the legislative elections at the expense of the presidential elections.

He also explained that his new party is conducting a series of meetings with the National Coalition of Independents and a coalition of "capable" and national figures, such as the politician Munther Zanaidi and former Prime Minister and Chairman of the "Alternative" Mahdi Juma.

"The retired military are Tunisian citizens with full rights, and they have an exceptional advantage especially for their knowledge of national security," MP Sami al-Fantasi told Al-Jazeera.

The army's standing in the ranks of the Tunisians, especially for its role in countering terrorist operations, has increased, and dozens of its members have been recruited to assist citizens during natural events, especially the cold waves in the northwest of the country in recent years.

The stakes and the future
According to the political analyst Salah al-Din al-Jourchi, the founders of the "Helmwa to Tunisia" no longer have an impact within the military, or a link legally organic, so it remains their right to enter the political scene in order to serve the nation, pointing out that their resort to political action due to the failure of parties In governance.

Al-Jourshi adds to Al-Jazeera Net that the chances of this new party will not be great, but it can be remarkable during the elections in the coming years, expecting to expand its popularity with the participation of civilian activists.

The army's status and confidence in the Tunisians has increased and the protesters received it in 2011 in a spontaneous popular campaign because of its neutrality, especially with the departure of Rashid Ben Ammar himself - who was in the rank of Major General in February 2011 - to the protesters in the square Kasaba in front of the government, The army stands with the revolution and its objectives.