Saied Promises Tunisians a New Republic Based on Popular Referendum

Caption: Tunisian President Kais Saied (AFP)
Caption: Tunisian President Kais Saied (AFP)
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Saied Promises Tunisians a New Republic Based on Popular Referendum

Caption: Tunisian President Kais Saied (AFP)
Caption: Tunisian President Kais Saied (AFP)

Tunisian President Kais Saied has announced creating the National Consultative Commission for a New Republic, tasked with drawing up a draft constitution.

In a cabinet session on Thursday evening, Saied said the new republic will be presented by the people and based on solid foundations that guarantee the state’s unity and continuity, as well as the rights of Tunisians for a decent life.

The president said the republic will be formed based on a popular referendum on the political system and electoral law, and a draft of a new constitution.

The committee consists of deans of Law and Political Sciences and is tasked with drafting the new constitution for the new republic. It must submit its report on June 20 to the president.

Saied slammed the previous ruling system, stressing that it endangered the state and caused instability.

He affirmed that the new constitution will reflect the will of Tunisian people, which they keenly expressed on December 17, 2010 and in the national consultation he held from January 1 till March 20.

The consultation, which called on citizens to send in suggestions, was part of a reform package pushed by Saied, who said it succeeded despite the obstacles.

Commenting on the upcoming referendum, Saied said all conditions will be set for everyone to be able to participate.

These include reviewing voter registration to ensure the participation of about 2.5 million unregistered voters.

The constitutional referendum is planned for July 25, exactly a year after Saied sacked the government, suspended parliament and seized wide-ranging powers.



Hamas Says Israeli Female Hostage Killed in North Gaza Area Hit by Israel

Relatives of Israeli hostages held in Gaza since October 7 protest outside the Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv on April 25, 2024. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP)
Relatives of Israeli hostages held in Gaza since October 7 protest outside the Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv on April 25, 2024. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP)
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Hamas Says Israeli Female Hostage Killed in North Gaza Area Hit by Israel

Relatives of Israeli hostages held in Gaza since October 7 protest outside the Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv on April 25, 2024. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP)
Relatives of Israeli hostages held in Gaza since October 7 protest outside the Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv on April 25, 2024. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP)

A spokesperson for Hamas' armed wing said on Saturday that a female Israeli hostage had been killed in an area of northern Gaza that had been struck by Israeli forces.

Earlier this week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel was offering a reward of $5 million to anybody who brings out a hostage held in Gaza.

"Anybody who brings out a hostage will find with us a secure way for them and their family to leave" Gaza, Netanyahu said in a video filmed inside the Palestinian territory, according to his office.

"We will also give them a reward of $5 million for each hostage."