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Tunisia’s powerful trade union, UGTT, has warned the president of the consequences if he continues with the second round of parliamentary elections. They threatened dire consequences if the elections were held as scheduled since there was no mass participation at the recently held elections
Tunisia’s powerful trade union, UGTT, has warned the president of the consequences if he continues with the second round of parliamentary elections. They threatened dire consequences if the elections were held as scheduled since there was no mass participation at the recently held elections.
The union statement released recently said that the first round of elections held last Saturday had the lowest level of participation, 11.2% of the electorate, and, therefore, lacked legitimacy. President Saied suspended an opposition-dominated parliament in July 2021, leading to severe criticism among the international community that he was assuming all powers unto himself and emerging as a dictator. He also changed the constitution in order to weaken parliament making it subservient to the president.
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The opposition had boycotted the elections. They labelled Saied’s actions as a coup. The UGTT, the largest trade union, having over a million members can paralyze life in the country, as it had done before. The powerful trade union’s role in the 2011 revolution was well recorded. Analysts are of the view that it is the only institution in northern Africa that can bargain with the president since it has a large mass following.
