“The municipal elections held on 6 May in Tunisia, the first since the end of the Ben Alí regime, represent an important milestone in the stabilisation of democracy. Participation in the vote of 33% of citizens, although not high, can be considered a first significant step in the construction of local democracy. The fact that 49% of the candidates were young people and women and that the highest consensus has been collected by independent candidates shows, in any case, the will of the Tunisian people to build a democracy that values local autonomy and promotes the emergence of new ruling classes," said Piero Fassino, Thematic Spokesperson of the Congress for the Southern Mediterranean.
"We are proud that the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe has accompanied the preparation of the vote and followed the electoral process, providing legal and operational assistance, including in the elaboration of the Code of Local Authorities adopted in April. We will continue with this action in the next months, providing new mayors and new administrations with the support and assistance necessary for the best take-off of their activities," concluded Piero Fassino.
