Written question asked by Baroness Hodgson of Abinger (Conservative) on Tuesday, 5 April 2022, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 21 April 2022. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Thursday, 21 April 2022 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Tunisia: Politics and Government

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact on democratic governance in Tunisia of (1) the dissolution of Parliament by Tunisian President, Kais Saied, and (2) the President’s stated intent to prevent opposition politicians from standing in elections planned for December.

Answer: The UK is concerned by President Saied's decision to dissolve Parliament and the possibility of politicians from the previous government facing criminal charges. At a time when Tunisia faces serious long-term challenges, the need for political engagement and dialogue is greater than ever. The UK has closely monitored the political situation in Tunisia since the changes brought in by President Saied on 25 July 2021, and we will continue to do so. We are monitoring legal cases being brought against politicians from the parliament and previous governments, including allegations of irregularities in the 2019 elections, and are concerned that these could be used to prevent opposition politicians from contesting future elections.

Secondary information