Tunisian Nahdha Movement Signs Democratic Transition Declaration to Advance National Consensus

Tunisian Nahdha Movement Signs Democratic Transition Declaration to Advance National Consensus

AnNahdha Movement has agreed to sign the document entitled "Democratic Transition Declaration" in order to advance national dialogue and the principle of consensus-building. It is principally a moral pledge clarifying the way for a smooth transition from the old government to a new one, without placing any restrictions on the National Constituent Assembly which will remain sovereign.

Below is a draft of the document:

Following the initiative of Mr. Yadh Ben Achour, the 12 signatory parties have continued their open dialogue concerning ways of ensuring the success of the electoral process and the coming transitional phase. In this context, they have agreed on the following points:

1. Stressing absolute commitment to the date of 23 October as the date for the National Constituent Assembly elections.

2. Re-affirming commitment to the code regulating the conduct of political parties and candidates issued by the Independent Electoral High Commission. This is to guarantee mutual respect between political rivals, avoidance of defamation and sensationalism, and neutrality of places of worship, educational and administrative institutions and places of work by keeping them free from party propaganda.

3. Agreement on the duration of one year as the maximum period of operation of the National Constituent Assembly in order for the country and its institutions to focus on addressing pressing fundamental issues, particularly on the social and economic levels.

4. Continuation of consultation and consensus-building between all parties to ensure the best management of the transition phase.

5. Establishing a flexible plan for the transfer of authority immediately following the election of the National Constituent Assembly, with the following general characteristics:

– for the current interim government and president to remain in place until the election of a new president by the National Constituent Assembly.

– for the interim president, folowing the announcement of the final election results, to call the National Constituent Assembly to hold its first meeting.

– for the National Constituent Assembly to immediately elect its leader to direct and manage its work, organise its meetings and form a committee to formulate its internal regulations.
– for the National Constituent Assembly to determine the new system for public authorities and elect the new president on the basis of that system.

– for the new president to appoint a figure to form a government after consulting groups making up the National Constituent Assembly, while the interim government continues to be the caretaker government.


– for the appointed prime minister to present the government’s plans to the National Constituent Assembly for approval until the formation of the new government.

– for the National Constituent Assembly, new government and new president to assume their responsibilities until they are granted official permanent posts on the basis of the new constitution approved by the National Constituent Assembly.