Tunisians vote for constitutional reforms; extension of presidential terms limit
Tunisia, Politics, 5/27/2002

The ballot centers on Sunday evening closed their doors after the Tunisians cast their votes on the referendum on making constitutional reforms in the country. The constitutional reform will open the door before President Zein al-Abidin Bin Ali to nominate himself for a fourth term of office in 2004. The previous text of the constitution determines the number of terms of offices to three.

The 5.3 million Tunisians out of the 10 million cast their votes in 15,000 voting centers distributed on all parts of the country.

The voters had just to say "yes" ( White card) and "no" for a ( Black card) on the proposed amendments.

The constitutional reforms which tackles with half of the items of the constitution states to permit nomination for the presidency with no limit (defined to three term in the previous text) and increasing the age of eligibility for nomination to Presidency from 70 year old to 75 year old.

It is expected that the "yes" will win the great majority. Official declaration of the final results will be today ( Monday) and therefore the Tunisian President will be able to nominate himself for two new terms of offices.

President Bin Ali assumed power in Tunisia in 1987 after alienating former President al-Habib Bourgeiba. Bin Ali is now 65 year old. his third term of office expires in 2004.

However, this reform wins the support of the democratic constitutional coalition ( the ruling party led by President Bin Ali. It has 148 seats out of 182 seats ), and at the support of four formation of the parliamentary opposition.

A fifth part in this opposition al-Tajdid (the renewal) party decided not to take part in the referendum. This reform, is challenged by the opposition movement which is called "democracy" which called for boycotting the referendum. This is the first boycott of its kind in this country.

Previous Stories:
  Bin Ali inaugurates the referendum campaign   (5/15/2002)
  Bin Ali vows transparency, referendums as democratic tool   (5/13/2002)
  Bin Ali committed to pluralism, democracy   (5/3/2002)

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