Abu Dhabi, Oct 29th, 2011 (WAM)--The recent elections in Tunisia that brought victory to the countrys previously banned Islamist party, Ennahda, have also raised concerns among more secular sections of society.
How the new government led by Ennahda now rewrites the countrys constitution and runs the administration is likely to be the litmus test since apprehensions concerning its ideological inclinations remain. This is despite the winning partys chief, Rashid Ghannouchi, having reassured that his party would ensure the rights of all people irrespective of religion or affiliation in its drive to realise a free, independent and prosperous Tunisia. "The fact that Ennhada even after winning the majority of electoral seats in parliament will have to enter a coalition with other political parties may bring in a balanced government. This will be Tunisias first freely elected government after more than two decades of authoritarian rule under former president Ben Ali", opined Dubai-based English language local daily, Khaleej Times, in its editorial on Saturday. It added that the Arab Spring that started in Tunisia has come full cycle for the people there who achieved a democratic political transition relatively more peacefully than elsewhere, such as in Egypt and Libya. Though post elections there have been protests and some instability from the Popular List partys supporters against cancellation of electoral seats won by its candidates for financial irregularities, these are expected to settle down. As Tunisia prepares to welcome its first democratically elected government, the paper continued, expectations are naturally high among the people whose frustration with the Ben Alis regime spilled over after the government failed to address core issues of unemployment, poverty and corruption. While the elected government having come to power by popular support may be under tremendous pressure to deliver, the people should also give enough allowance in terms of time for any announced reforms to bear fruit. "Unless there is demonstrable understanding and patience for any genuine expectations to be met, the road towards prosperity and progress is likely to remain mired in obstacles. It must be realised that doing away with an unpopular leader is not likely to produce a miraculous turnaround unless the people allow the new setup enough room and time to implement reforms tailored to address their genuine grievances", the paper said. It underlined that even so, the new leadership in Tunisia tasked with the responsibility to steer the nation towards political and economic stability must work day and night to ensure that promises made are fulfilled. "The path is likely to be strewn with difficulties but these can be easily overcome if there is genuine commitment, transparency and honesty among the leadership."Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2011.
