Clashes Erupt In Tunisia Following Election Disqualifications
The independent election commission that oversaw what was generally considered free and fair elections in Tunisia disqualified the People’s Petition party, and that has sparked clashes in several Tunisian cities and howls of protest from that party’s leadership.
The People’s Petition has ties to the old regime of Ben Ali, so the clashes are a sign that the ancien regime isn’t willing to abide by the ruling, but it’s also a potential sign that the independent commission isn’t willing to allow anyone connection to the Ben Ali government hold power.
The election results break down as follows for the 217 seat Parliament:
Ennahda won 90 seats.
Two left-leaning parties won second and third place: the Congress for the Republic (CPR) obtaining 30 seats, and al-Takatol 21 seats.
In fourth place was the People’s Petition, with 19 seats.
There are also ongoing questions about Ennahda’s commitment to womens’ rights and the party continues to say the right things.