Statements by members of the Ennahda movement and Heart of Tunisia Party have confirmed that the ruling coalition was in agreement over the parliament’s election of members of the Constitutional Court on Thursday.
The statements demonstrate their dismissal of President Kais Saied’s rejection of the amendments that have been introduced to the election of the members. He has returned the draft amendments to parliament for revision and it should be up to a new vote.
Observers believe that the position will only heighten tensions between the president and government.
Some members of the ruling coalition have already accused him of obstructing political work in the country.
The Ennahda’s parliamentary bloc had met last week and stressed the need to complete the election of the 12 members of the Court.
One member has already been elected. A parliament session will be held on Thursday to appoint three members. The remaining members will be elected by the president and higher judicial council, who each name four.
Ennahda has urged greater agreement among the various blocs over the candidates, while also renewing its support to the government, led by Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi.
Ennahda MP Emad al-Khamiri said the movement was determined to elect the three members of the Court.
He criticized Saied’s rejection of the amendments, saying it is as if he is claiming that the Constitutional Court was no longer necessary, while it is in fact key to building democracy.
Separately, former President Moncef Marzouki proposed holding early parliamentary and presidential elections, saying it could help end the political impasse in the country.
“This step may be risky, but it could give way to some hope,” he remarked.
Moreover, he said the stalemate will only lead to the further fragmentation of the state, especially amid the novel coronavirus pandemic and growing poverty.
