Voters decide whether to increase president’s powers

Polls have now closed in Tunisia’s referendum on a controversial new structure, with preliminary outcomes anticipated to be introduced inside days.

President Kais Saied stated the vote was essential to advance political reforms.

However his opponents say it might entrench the powers he seized a 12 months in the past to strengthen his private rule.

Tunisia grew to become the birthplace of the Arab Spring when it overthrew its long-serving ruler Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali in 2011.

The date of the referendum was chosen by President Saied to mark a 12 months to the day since his dramatic transfer to droop parliament and dismiss the federal government.

Since then, he has successfully dominated by decree.

The brand new structure, which replaces one drafted in 2014 three years after the Arab Spring, would give the pinnacle of state full government management, supreme command of the military and the flexibility to nominate a authorities with out parliamentary approval.

Mr Saied says it’s wanted to interrupt a cycle of political paralysis and financial decay.

He says his reforms are being achieved within the spirit of the 2011 revolution and can guarantee a greater future.

“Our cash and our wealth are huge, and our will is even higher, to rebuild a brand new Tunisia and a brand new republic, one which breaks with the previous,” the president stated after voting on Monday morning.

His many critics say it may lead Tunisia again to dictatorship in all however title.

The most important events – together with the Islamist Ennahda – had been boycotting the vote.

Though President Saied nonetheless has a core of help amongst Tunisians who imagine the nation wants a powerful chief to deal with its issues, there appears little enthusiasm for the referendum.

Further reporting by Leo Sands.