Published: Less than 20 min ago
A referendum on a new constitution, which will give President Kaïs Saïed almost unlimited power, has been carried out in Tunisia on Monday. According to the first polling station surveys, over 92 percent of those voting are in favor of the new constitution, which has been criticized by many, APF reports. The information comes from the opinion institute Sigma Conseil.
Voter turnout was low. According to data, around 27.5 percent of the country’s roughly nine million registered voters participated, AFP reports.
The opposition has called for a boycott of the referendum, whose official results are expected on Tuesday, and critics see it as a major step backwards for democracy.
The referendum was held a year after Kaïs Saïed closed parliament and dissolved the government. His critics have described the move as a coup but it was hailed at the same time by Tunisians fed up with the country’s political elite and economic stagnation.
The new constitution would give the president all executive powers, while greatly reducing the influence of Tunisia’s judiciary and parliament. Critics warn that this could pave the way for a new dictatorship in Tunisia.