Tunisia 's democratic process

Tunisia is a republic headed by a President who is elected every five years by direct universal suffrage. The system of government is built upon the principles of separation of powers, equality among citizens regardless of gender, accountability and rule of law, and people's sovereignty as the source of political legitimacy.

Eight political parties are active in Tunisia . These parties and their newspapers receive state support. Five opposition parties are represented in Parliament. Parliamentary hearings of government members are broadcast live on public TV. A law guarantees opposition parties at least 20% of seats in Parliament and municipal councils.

May 26, 2002 marked a decisive step in national political life. For the first time in their history, Tunisians went to referendum to decide on a constitutional reform concerning more than half of the constitution's articles. Adopted by a large majority, the amended constitution increased the legislative branch's powers of control over the government, created a second parliamentary chamber to ensure a wider representation of regions, established the system of two-round presidential election, and entrusted the settling of disputes related to presidential and legislative elections and also to referendums with the Constitutional Council whose independence has been reinforced. The amended constitution sets at 75 the maximum age for a candidate to the office of president. Based on a 2003 constitutional law, each political party represented in Parliament can present a candidate to presidential elections.