Tunisia: Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the constitutional referendum

The European Union takes note of the preliminary results of the constitutional referendum held in Tunisia on 25 July, for which turnout was low. A broad consensus among the various political forces, including political parties and civil society, is essential for the success of a process that preserves the democratic acquis and necessary for all the major political and economic reforms Tunisia will undertake. The legitimacy and sustainability of those reforms will depend on it.

The preparations and arrangements for the parliamentary elections scheduled for December should therefore be seen as an opportunity to foster a genuine exchange within the framework of an inclusive national dialogue. As the European Union and the Venice Commission have repeatedly pointed out, that dialogue will be an important condition for establishing a legislative framework which ensures the legitimacy and representativeness of the future parliament. The election of the parliament will be the cornerstone of the return to normal functioning of the country’s institutions, with full respect for democratic principles, in particular the separation of powers, consolidation of the rule of law, pluralism and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.