Tunisia’s Parliament Ratifies New Constitution

Tunisia’s parliament has ratified a new constitution, making it the first since the ousting of President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali in 2011.

According to media reports, the National Constituent Assembly passed the text by 200 votes from 216.

Inside the assembly, there was a sense of joy when the new constitution had been adopted. The parliamentarians also embraced each other.

Historic milestone

The United States of America hailed the agreement as a “historic milestone.”

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Tunisian revolution Tunis, 14 January 2011.

In a press statement in Washington DC, US Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki said the United States is encouraged that Tunisia’s National Constituent Assembly voted to ratify Tunisia’s new constitution.

Ms. Psaki highlighted that a strong constitution, reached through consultation and debate, is the foundation of a thriving democracy.

“This is a historic moment for the people of Tunisia and represents a significant achievement as Tunisia continues in its political transition.” – Ms. Psaki

Ms. Psaki noted that the US government is looking forward to further steps in the democratic transition, in particular, the swearing-in of a new independent government and setting a date for early elections so that Tunisian citizens can choose their new leaders and determine the country’s future.

She added that the United States continues to believe the Tunisian people can and will achieve their aspirations for a democratic society.

“As a longstanding friend of Tunisia, the United States will continue to support Tunisia’s democratic transition.” – Ms. Psaki

In 2011, a revolution , part of the Arab Sping had resulted in the ousting of autocratic President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and the first free elections in the country were held.

Mina Fabulous follows the news, especially what is going on in the US State Department. Mina turns State Department waffle into plain English. Mina Fabulous is the pen name of Carmen Avalino, the NewsBlaze production editor. When she isn’t preparing stories for NewsBlaze writers, she writes stories, but to separate her editing and writing identities, she uses the name given by her family and friends.