The controversial Constitution proposed on July 25 by Tunisian President Kaïs Saïed, author of a coup a year ago, was adopted by a large majority of 94.6%, according to the final results published by the electoral authority. Isie, Tuesday August 16th.

The new fundamental law, which will clearly strengthen the prerogatives of the head of state, was approved by just over 2.6 million people, announced Farouk Bouasker, president of Isie to the press.

The participation rate was considered very low, at 30.5%.

The opposition, which has been denouncing for a year the coup of July 25, 2021 by Kaïs Saïed by which he assumed all powers, and human rights defenders, have warned against a danger of return of the dictatorship with the new Constitution.

"The Constitution comes into force from the announcement of the final results, its promulgation by the President and its publication in the Official Journal," said Farouk Bouasker.

The rejection by the administrative court of all appeals against the referendum process "confirmed the integrity and transparency of Isie", added the president of the electoral authority, considering that his institution "suffered an unprecedented wave accusations from certain political parties and civil society organisations". 

Establishment of a hyper-presidential regime

The new Constitution establishes a hyper-presidential regime that breaks with the one in force since 2014, which deliberately limited the role of the Head of State to avoid regimes such as the dictatorship of Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali and the autocratic drift of the hero of independence, Habib Bourguiba.

The new text does not provide for a procedure for the dismissal of the president, who appoints the head of government and the ministers and can dismiss them at will.

A second chamber is created within the Parliament to represent the regions and counterbalance the People's Assembly.

With AFP

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