Parliamentary elections in Tunisia began on Sunday, October 6th at 8 am in the presence of local and international observers for the seven million eligible voters to vote in the parliamentary election. This is the second election since the 2014 adoption of Tunisia’s constitution following the deposing of Zine El Abidine Ben in 2011. Tunisia is often looked upon as the only success story to come out of the Arab Spring. However, it is expected to end with no clear winner. The country has been facing rising food prices, inflation and more than 15 percent unemployment. For the 217 seats almost 15,000 candidates were running for, with registered political parties and independents. Almost a third of the lists are independent. One-third of the lists are independent. The traditionally powerful parties such as Nidaa Tounes may not fare well as indicated by the presidential outcome .
Preliminary results are expected to be announced on October 10 and official results will be out on November 17. Thereafter the assembly has two months to select a prime minister and form a new government. Political observers are of the view that Ennahdha – the biggest force in Tunisia’s parliament – and Nabil Karoui’s Qalb Tunis- is likely to do well due to their ‘’grassroots support”. Experts feel that no single list will win the 109 seats needed to rule parliament, resulting in a coalition. Rising unemployment, spiraling food prices and inflation will be the critical challenges to tackle for the legislature and new prime minister while the president’s, mandate is limited to foreign affairs, defence and national security.
