- November 23, 2011
- 3 minutes read
Al-Nahda Leader Hopeful About Success of Democratic Process in Tunisia
After nine months of the ousting of the Tunisian dictator Ben Ali and amid tightened security, Tunis goes to the polls to elect a national assembly today.
For his part the Islamist party Al-Nahda’s leader Rashid Al-Ghannouchi hoped the elections would be a success and the democratic process be well under way.
“The election’s success will definitely benefit the nation,” he stated. Speaking on Hewar TV, he added that in the case of foul play and rigging during the elections, the party will take to the streets.
Ghannouchi said he had full trust in the Tunisian army which illustrated its support of the revolution and protected the people. “I doubt there will be a coup especially as the army has vowed to protect the democratic process regardless of the elections outcome,” he stated.
Ghannouchi expected Al-Nahda may achieve a majority. He stressed, “Tunisia is in dire need of a government representative and reflective of all factions and trends which fully respects and acknowledges people’s freedom and promotes justice.”
He called on all political forces to disregard differences and obstacles and to prioritize Tunisia and its people’s interests above all else. in order to fully achieve the revolution’s objectives.
He added, “Al-Nahda respects ideological differences and recognizes the rights of expression. We fully oppose oppression and the stemming of any faction’s creativity.”
Discussing the relationship between Al-Nahda and the Salafists, Ghannouchi asserted "We have engaged in many intellectual discussions in order to understand their views on numerous issues.” He denied, however, that there were any political talks between the two.
