By RFIPosted on 06-10-2019Modified on 06-10-2019 at 20:25
The rate of abstention reaches a record in the young Tunisian democracy. Not voting is not necessarily a sign of political disinterest in this survivor of the "Arab Spring".
The participation rate at the national level at 2.30 pm was 23.49%. Abroad, the participation rate at 15.00 was 12%, of which 68% were male and 32% female.
This surge of forbearance is revealing. It is the result of broken promises, according to Hissam, in his fifties, who blames the political class. " People are not that they do not want to vote. But they do not trust anymore. Because they saw how expensive things are, the state of sidewalks, roads. So people are disgusted and do not want to vote, "she says.
A lack of interest confirmed Oussem, a student who privileged his personal commitments to slip a ballot into the ballot box. "I was too busy with a job," he says. As to whether it would have been important to vote, he believes that " yes, of course, especially in the present case " . " At the same time, if everyone thinks like me, it can be serious because everyone is going to prioritize their own interests. And from there, people will not vote, "he adds.
However, Nabil, 25, who goes from the gym to the polling station, says he should not blame the abstainers he has been a part until recently. " I was not going to vote because I did not have a candidate who really reflected my attentions. And that's why they do not want to vote because they do not have someone to choose from. And I'm sure that even if they do not vote, they feel uncomfortable not to vote, not to find a perfect candidate to achieve their dreams, "he says.
Many abstainers, disillusioned citizens, claim, surprising paradox, to cultivate a political conscience and are ready to vote next Sunday for the second round of the presidential after having passed the legislative elections.
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