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Controversy in Tunisia over Calls to Abolish the Political System

Tunisia's new parliament members take an oath in Tunis, Tunisia November 13, 2019. REUTERS/Zoubeir Souissi
Tunisia's new parliament members take an oath in Tunis, Tunisia November 13, 2019. REUTERS/Zoubeir Souissi
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Controversy in Tunisia over Calls to Abolish the Political System

Tunisia's new parliament members take an oath in Tunis, Tunisia November 13, 2019. REUTERS/Zoubeir Souissi
Tunisia's new parliament members take an oath in Tunis, Tunisia November 13, 2019. REUTERS/Zoubeir Souissi

A heated political debate is raging in Tunisia where many voices are calling for a change in the parliamentary system and returning to the presidential one, having in mind a new linguistic term in Tunisia’s politics: the so-called “third republic.”

Many believe that having a third republic is the only way to overcome the political and parliamentary deadlock witnessed by the country, but others claim that it is a gateway for sowing chaos and a plan to take over state institutions after some having failed in the 2019 elections.

Third republic supporters have been accused of looking to take out political opponents, especially the Ennahda Movement. Government coalition parties, on the other hand, believe that political change must be enacted through elections only.

They are calling for amending the election law which, after 2011, resulted in disarray among parliamentary blocs that were rendered unable to rule or achieve their election campaign promises.

Ennahda Movement is one of the biggest beneficiaries of the parliamentary system, as it dominates the government and occupies the position of the speaker of Parliament through the parliamentary system.

Issam Chebbi, the head of Tunisia's opposition Republican Party, said that the move to another presidential system needs years and a political, institutional and democratic evaluation, and cannot be achieved by chaos and taking to the streets.

Leftist parties such as Machrouu Tounes and the Free Destourian Party backed the ongoing protests and considered demonstrating as part and parcel of the democratic process. Should the ruling coalition oppose or ban those protests, it would be considered a hit to individual and collective rights.

These parties confirmed that they will back the protest expected to be held early June to call for dissolving the parliament and to withdraw confidence from its speaker, Rached al-Ghannouchi.

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Iraq’s Coordination Framework Faces Deep Internal Disputes

An Iraqi soldier walks past a sign that reads "Ramadan Kareem" in the Karrada district of the capital Baghdad on March 5, 2025, during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan. (AFP)
An Iraqi soldier walks past a sign that reads "Ramadan Kareem" in the Karrada district of the capital Baghdad on March 5, 2025, during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan. (AFP)
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Iraq’s Coordination Framework Faces Deep Internal Disputes

An Iraqi soldier walks past a sign that reads "Ramadan Kareem" in the Karrada district of the capital Baghdad on March 5, 2025, during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan. (AFP)
An Iraqi soldier walks past a sign that reads "Ramadan Kareem" in the Karrada district of the capital Baghdad on March 5, 2025, during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan. (AFP)

Iraq’s ruling pro-Iran Coordination Framework is facing deep internal disputes as the country braces for the policies of the new American administration and prepares to hold parliamentary elections this year.

A leading member of the alliance said the tense discussions about possible pressure and sanctions from the United States is causing “confusion” between the ruling parties.

Moreover, the competition between them ahead of the elections will affect the future of the alliance and whether it will remain united, he told Asharq Al-Awsat on condition of anonymity.

The “most dangerous thing” that is happening is attempting to hold the Framework responsible for whatever challenges are in store, especially should the US administration under President Donald Trump impose sanctions, he added.

He explained that the forces and groups that are “very close to Iran are aware that the pressure will be focused on them. The leaders of the Framework are aware that the external threat they are facing should not be used as a weapon during the elections.”

Iraqi officials have for two months speculated, without evidence, that the US may possibly impose sanctions this year on banks or political groups or leaders.

Armed factions

Another issue the Shiite forces are grappling with is reaching an agreement over the armed factions.

Sunni politician Mashaan al-Juburi said Iraq needs to merge the factions and pro-Iran Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in the state security forces.

Government officials, including Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, have confirmed that “negotiations are underway over the fate of the factions. As a government agency operating within the state, there is no need to dismantle the PMF.”

Political sources revealed that “after weeks of silence, the armed factions have gone back on their plans to comply with government demands to dissolve and lay down their arms, because they have not heard any word from Washington about the fate of pro-Iran Shiite groups.”

Meanwhile, aide to the prime minister Fadi al-Shammari said in televised remarks that dialogue is ongoing with the armed factions to lay down their weapons.

He hoped the negotiations would “end well.”

The sources said the discrepancy in statements by the Framework reflects their “confusion and hesitation in taking any step or political initiative” towards resolving disputes.

Kadhimi and Sadr’s return

Former Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi's return to Iraq last week after a nearly two-year absence has added another layer to the complicated scene in the country.

In a television interview, he slammed current PM Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, saying several of the current projects in the country were part of an emergency plan drafted by his former government. His remarks sparked fierce criticism by figures close to Sudani.

Prior to Kadhimi’s return, former PM Ayad Allawi announced the formation of a new alliance that will take part in the elections.

Iraqi media noted that preparations for the elections kicked off early this year with the polls usually held in October.

Kadhimi, for his part, is planning on joining the race with liberal Shiite figures.

Meanwhile, influential Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has signaled his return to politics. He had suspended his involvement in political life in June 2022, vowing not to take part in any future elections to avoid partnering with “corrupt” figures.

In late February, he called on his supporters to update their electoral details, in a sign that he may resume political life.

Local media noted that his return to politics is taking place a time when “Iran’s influence in the country is waning.”

Iraqi authorities have yet to schedule the date of the elections as another dispute, this time over amending the electoral law, appears to be looming on the horizon.