Tunisia is currently undertaking voter registration in preparation for the country’s first post-Revolution elections. What are the responsibilities of both authorities and citizens in the creation of a more democratic Maghreb?

110720-zawaya-photo

From the Panellists

Jemal-oumar
Bio

Tunisians put to the test with the first revolutionary elections (Comments: 0)

By: Jemal Mohamed Oumar

Monday, July 12, marked the beginning of voter registration in Tunisia, in preparation for October’s elections aimed to choose the members of the Tunisian National Council. These elections are the… more


Souad
Bio

Elections alone cannot achieve democracy (Comments: 3)

By: Souad Assassi

Most Tunisians are struggling to bring their revolution to a successful conclusion, and doing their best to establish democracy in order to replace the overthrown regime. Huge steps have been… more


Adel_rochdy
Bio

Tunisian elections will shape the political future of the Maghreb (Comments: 2)

By: Adel Rochdy

Tunisia is getting ready for a historic event. On October 23, 2011, more than seven million voters will head to the polls to elect the members of the National Constituent… more


Herraz
Bio

Rejecting exclusion and promoting citizenship for a more democratic Maghreb (Comments: 1)

By: Selma Herraz

Tunisians will soon take part in the first free elections in the country following the revolution that put an end to the era of tyranny and dictatorship. However, leading Tunisia… more


Driss-benali-1924
Bio

A new social contract between government and citizens (Comments: 2)

By: Driss Ben Ali

More than two centuries after Europe and twenty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, it’s the Arab world’s turn (including the Maghreb) to be shaken by an unprecedented… more


Your Comments

comments

Anonymous About about 1 year ago

The elections in Tunisia won’t succeed unless each family has an independent party… no, unless each citizen has an independent party.

comments

Anonymous About about 1 year ago

Tunisia is so left out that I don’t see it anymooooooooooooooooore.

comments

Anonymous About about 1 year ago

Overthrowing a regime is one thing, and replacing it is another. The individuals who overthrow these regimes shouldn’t start taking positions in the name of the people for the sole purpose of filling their pockets. They should know that they’ll have to leave their positions for their successors at the end of their mandate.

comments

Anonymous About about 1 year ago

Tunisians have always felt that the elections are a mere chore that won’t achieve any of their goals. People need some time to understand the real elections that are required now. We are also used to doing things at the last minute. (For example, see how crowded bookstores are at the beginning of the school year, even though students have the lists of the needed school supplies since June.)

comments

Anonymous About about 1 year ago

Everyone should vote, and may the best win! Don’t be afraid of the polling stations anymore. Tunisia is no longer Ben Ali’s. We are free now, and our votes will be truly valued. JL

comments

Anonymous About about 1 year ago

May Allah have mercy on us.

comments

Anonymous About about 1 year ago

The CIA and the Mossad are the biggest enemies of Islam. What happened to honor?

comments

Anonymous About about 1 year ago

As long as the symbols of corruption remain in power, it’s impossible for Tunisia to become a democratic country.

comments

Anonymous About about 1 year ago

I am Tamer Abssiss, and I congratulate everyone who contributed to spreading good among people. Thank you.

comments

Anonymous About about 1 year ago

It is absurd to think that a democratic Maghreb can be achieved through storefront elections as we were used to for over half a century. In Tunisia’s case, however, these elections might mark the first step towards democracy, provided that the ruling regime: – Does not exclude Islamic parties (like all Arab countries). – Rehabilitates the RCD in order to apply the non-exclusion principle. – Ensures transparency and neutrality. For their part, political parties have to: – Present realistic, compelling programs with no disparagement. – Establish the society project they aspire to, without hypocrisy or partisan interests. As for Tunisians, they should: – Avoid falling into the trap of tribalism and regionalism in the elections. – Accept different approaches in the discussions.

comments

Anonymous About about 1 year ago

The forces of evil and the forces of good have been fighting ever since God created life.

comments

Anonymous About about 1 year ago

To all Arab brothers, with no exception: be certain that if you’re not on the lookout, then history will repeat itself like it happened in Andalusia 31159

comments

Anonymous About about 1 year ago

I strongly believe that Nicolas Sarkozy is a bigger fool than Muammar Gaddafi. He is arming AQIM and other terrorists on all sides. Qatari and Libyan off-road vehicles, as well as French and Russian arms, are currently being sold in Mauritania and the Great Sahara…

comments

Anonymous About about 1 year ago

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate. I wish the Tunisian people will keep in mind that the current events in the Islamic nation are signs of Allah’s true promise for the believers among His servants in Surat Al-Nur. “Allah has promised, to those among you who believe and work righteous deeds, that He will, of a surety, grant them in the land, inheritance (of power), as He granted it to those before them; that He will establish in authority their religion – the one which He has chosen for them; and that He will change (their state), after the fear in which they (lived), to one of security and peace: ‘they will worship Me (alone) and not associate aught with Me. ’if any do reject faith after this, they are rebellious and wicked. (55) So establish regular prayer and give regular charity; and obey the messenger; that ye may receive mercy. (56) never think thou that the unbelievers are going to frustrate (Allah’s plan) on earth: their abode is the fire,- and it is indeed an evil refuge!(57)” Allah always sent prophets and messengers with miracles for people to learn, but when His servants insist on inattention, Allah inflicts dreadful torture upon them, as it was mentioned in Surat Taha. ""But whosoever turns away from My message, verily for him is a life narrowed down, and We shall raise him up blind on the day of judgment." (124) He will say: “O my Lord! why hast Thou raised me up blind, while I had sight (before)?” (125) (Allah) will say: “Thus didst thou, when Our signs came unto thee, disregard them: so wilt thou, this day, be disregarded.” (126) And thus do We recompense him who transgresses beyond bounds and believes not in the signs of his Lord: and the penalty of the hereafter is far more grievous and more enduring. (127) Is it not a warning to such men (to call to mind) how many generations before them We destroyed, in whose haunts they (now) move? Verily, in this are signs for men endued with understanding. (128) Had it not been for a word that went forth before from thy Lord, (their punishment) must necessarily have come; but there is a term appointed (for respite).( 129) O Allah, please don’t torture us for that which the fools amongst us did and will do, those who replace Allah’s laws with those of parties and organizations, and policies for which Allah has sent down no authority.

comments

Anonymous About about 1 year ago

comments

Anonymous About about 1 year ago

The blessed Tunisian and Egyptian revolutions stemmed from the people alone, and no foreign hands intervened; all brothers bless these revolutions. As for the rest, they are suspicious, and NATO’s intervention gives rise to many questions. O self-proclaimed rebels, let you know that “never will the Jews or the Christians be satisfied with thee unless thou follow their form of religion”; and as the proverb goes, not all words are meaningful.

comments

Anonymous About about 1 year ago

MOROCCO IS ALWAYS RESPECTFUL. I WILL ALWAYS BE MOROCCAN NO MATTER WHAT. MY NAME IS AMINE BARADA. MOROCCO IS THE BEST COUNTRY GIVEN ALL ITS WEALTH.

comments

Anonymous About about 1 year ago

Peace be upon you. Some officials are manipulating Douar El-Berahma 2, Chalalat, Province of Mohamedia. His Majesty the King Mohamed VI ordered to transform it into a city without slums; so many officials are manipulating it. Therefore, I am urging the Ministry of housing to investigate about what’s happening there.

comments

Anonymous About about 1 year ago

We are blessed with Islam; if we drop it and follow the so-called freedom of expression, we won’t get rid of ordeals. We should either follow Islam, or not follow any party, movement, or policy that is inconsistent with Islam. We won’t succeed if we drift away from Islam. You think that the West and the USA are enjoying freedom? I swear that it’s a big lie. I sat with an American in Michigan, and he told me: You don’t enjoy freedom. I told him: I think that you’re worse than us; and I don’t see any freedom in your country, but rather green and red lights, and signs. I added: In my country, Algeria, I can buy a house without paying taxes. I buy vegetables and fruits without taxes. I make calls on the mobile phone when I have credit, and when I don’t, my friend can still call me, as I am able to receive calls. But when you have no credit in your phone, you won’t be able to make or receive calls. You buy everything, and then pay a tax before leaving the store. For example, if you find a $2 item, you pay $2.5 before leaving the store. When you ride the train, you pay a tax. I told him: There is one thing you don’t buy, and that’s air. In this country of freedom of expression, as you call it, if you don’t have half a dinar, you’re not worth anything. As a conclusion, Islam urges us to feed the poor and needy. There will be no grace if we leave Islam.

comments

Anonymous About about 1 year ago

I am surprised by the stubbornness of some officials who reject democracy, as if it will affect their dignity or decrease their wealth; it’s actually the opposite that is bound to happen. Arrogance, tyranny and megalomania are the characteristics of disbelievers, and Kufr is one religion.

comments

Anonymous About about 1 year ago

Who do we trust? The Romans? These forces think that Arabs have no value. Democracy enables politicians to get elected without war. We, Arabs, don’t know that. We have forgotten the Crusades, and Portugal, Spain, France, Italy and England who killed our parents. History has always been made between the south and north of the Mediterranean. They stole even the religion of Jesus son of Mary, David, Solomon, Moses, Aaron, Israel the prophet, Jacob, son of Isaac, son of Abraham who was from Iraq. They don’t know that the sons of Noah – Sam, Ham and Japheth – are our parents and those of the giants. Goliath is the last giant that confronted David by the river of Jordan. This history was made in Arab countries, in the Arabian island.

comments

Anonymous About about 1 year ago

Democracy is a mirage, an illusion and a political ploy. O slaves of Allah, there are more than 100 parties in Tunisia, so if one party accesses power, the other 99 which make up the majority will be left out to watch. Therefore, the minority will be ruling, with 99 parties opposing it. So, how will the relationship be between the ruling party and the opposition, since the latter represents 99%?

Have your comments posted immediately! Register

1800 characters remaining (1800 max)

Please enter digits
Button