28 July 2008
Tunis — The political bureau of the opposition Popular Unity Party (PUP) welcomed "President Ben Ali's reformist commitment, as illustrated in the new provisions introduced in theconstitution for the purpose of facilitating the conditions for eligibility to the office of president of the Republic".
The announcement was made on Sunday by the party's Secretary General Mr Mohammed Bouchiha who also said that "the presidential pioneering decision will open up larger perspectives to political parties for greater participation in political affairs".
Mr Bouchiha said that the decision to lower the voting age from 20 to 18, testifies to the important role played by this category of society".
The lowering of the voting age was made possible after the amendment of Article 20 of the Constitution. As a result, about half a million new voters are expected to be added to voter registers.
The new provisions introduced in article 40 of the Constitution exempt political party leaders wanting to run for president from the requirement of receiving the support of 30 members of parliament of mayors if they want to run for the office of president . The only condition being that the candidate be the duly elected chairman or secretary general of his party for the last two years.
The "exceptional waiver" , voted by the Chamber of deputies on July 24, 2008, applies to the leaders of the 9 political parties in the country and not just to those of the 5 parties represented in parliament. Until now, only political parties represented in parliament could field candidates for the highest executive office without having to fulfil the constitutional requirement of having the support of 30 mayors or members of the Chamber of deputies.
Any opposition party member or ordinary citizen can still run for president provided he or she fulfils the requirements specified by Article 40 of the constitution including the conditions of age, nationality and having the the support of 30 mayors or members of parliament for his candidacy.
Opposition parties hold 37 seats in the Chamber of Deputies.
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