Behind the scenes of the Council of Regions elections in Tunisia
On Sunday February 4, Tunisians were called to the polls for the second round of the Council of Regions elections. A vote which attracted attention, but which did not arouse massive enthusiasm, as evidenced by the low participation rate.
In the Bhar Lazreg district of Tunis, the café terraces were full, contrasting with the low influx of voters at the polling stations. This situation reflects the disillusionment of part of the Tunisian population, who hope that elected officials will be able to bring concrete changes, but are aware of the country’s economic difficulties.
The situation is no different at the second-hand clothing market located opposite the polling station. Some clients explain their choice not to participate in the vote, citing a lack of information or a lack of interest in elections that have not brought significant changes since 2011.
This low participation rate raises questions about the relevance and impact of the Council of Regions, created with the aim of promoting grassroots democracy. Despite the efforts of President Kaïs Saïed, who wanted to make it a pillar of his policy, power has remained mainly in the hands of the presidency since his takeover in 2021.
However, it is important to note that these elections are an important step towards the decentralization of power in Tunisia. They allow citizens to express their views on local issues and actively participate in decision-making concerning their region. This could be the start of a broader process of democratization and strengthening of trust between citizens and elected officials.
It is therefore essential to continue to encourage citizen participation and raise awareness of the importance of these elections. Tunisians must be aware that their voice counts and that they have the power to shape the future of their region. Mobilizing for these elections and getting actively involved in local political life is the way to make their concerns heard and promote the change necessary to build a more just and prosperous Tunisia for all.