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On Wednesday, December 4, 2013 the House Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa held a hearing titled “Transition at a Crossroads: Tunisia Three Years After the Revolution.” the hearing featured testimony from three witnesses: Mr. Scott Mastic, Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at the International Republican Institute; Mr. Leslie Campbell, Senior Associate and Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at the National Democratic Institute; and Mr. Bill Sweeney, President and Chief Executive Officer at the International Institute for Electoral Systems. The hearing was presided over by the Subcommittee Chairperson, Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL).
For full event notes, continue reading or click here for a pdf.
Representative Ros-Lehtinen opened the hearing by presenting introductory remarks. The Congresswoman noted that while the country underwent free and fair elections in October 2011, “there is still much that needs to be done to meet the goals and aspirations of the Tunisian people.” She noted that the transition and National Dialogue has stalled, and that “compounding these political problems are the economic and security challenges facing Tunisia,” including “Islamic extremism,” which she described as “one of the most pressing issues from a U.S. perspective.” Tunisia, she argued, is “viewed as the test-case for democratic transitions in the Arab world” and said it is “in the vital national security interest of the United States to see a secure, a stable, and a democratic Tunisia and I hope the Administration does not overlook the importance of this strategic country.” She concluded, “we must support the people of Tunisia as they struggle to achieve real reforms and we must also support the groups like the IRI, the NDI, IFES.”
Mr. Scott Mastic began his testimony by noting he was “guardedly optimistic” about Tunisia’s transition. Mr. Mastic said this optimism is based partly on “a persistent and continued effort from all political stakeholders that have joined into the transition to reach agreement on the future nature of rule emerging from nearly six decades of undemocratic rule.” While Mr. Mastic recognized the difficulties of the political process, he said, “Tunisia’s transition reveals the raw beginnings of an emerging democratic culture, one of bare knuckles negotiation, horse trading and brinksmanship and yet, a culture made ever stronger by each moment of crisis diverted.” Next, Mr. Mastic highlighted three key factors in Tunisia’s transition. First, the political track of National Dialogue and the selection of an interim prime minister is an essential pre-requisite before Tunisia can appoint an electoral commission and pass an electoral law and the constitution. For the National Dialogue, Mr. Mastic said the key factor to ensuring success is “neither side believing it can leverage too much advantage or dig in for a better deal.” Second, Mr. Mastic said security, “specifically the threat posed by Islamic extremists.” He commented that political assassinations and terrorism have sent the transition into a tailspin, and said “As with the successful naming of a government, time is again of the essence with respect to avoiding a terrorist induced crisis. The longer the impasse, the greater the potential an unforeseen security crisis undermines a successful outcome to the dialogue.” Third, Mr. Mastic said, “is the continued patience Tunisian citizens are willing to show towards their political leaders and the transition path they have led the country down.” Mr. Mastic then discussed Tunisia’s wide range of international assistance needs, “ranging from small, medium enterprise growth to security sector reform, to transitional justice” and concluded that the U.S. should continue to support Tunisia during this pivotal moment in its transition to democracy.
Mr. Leslie Campbell then gave testimony on the current situation in Tunisia as well as the activities of the National Democratic Institute in the region. He stated, “The international community should enhance its support of the Tunisian transition, making it clear to all political actors that an immediate return to the National Dialogue negotiations is essential to demonstrate genuine commitment to democratic principles and fundamental freedoms.” After extensively laying out Tunisia’s political transition, Mr. Campbell further discussed NDI’s actions in Tunisia. Specifically, Mr. Campbell said the NDI has “provided Tunisia’s political leadership with advice and information on comparative experience in managing complex negotiations as a means of considering appropriate models and encouraging constructive dialogue.” These activities were designed to “support and strengthen the democratic process by creating a space for inclusive political debate.” Mr. Campbell then argued that “to ensure the current stalemate does not encourage undemocratic intervention in the process, it is important that the U.S. government continue to support trust-building measures” between Ennahda and the opposition in order to “conclude the current constitutional phase as quickly and responsibly as possible,” and concluded that “the United States should strongly and consistently support popular demands for transparency, accountability and freedom. This means a continued commitment to pluralism and civil society and speaking clearly with respect to ongoing threats to freedom of expression. The Administration and U.S. Congress should be steadfast in supporting an enabling environment for political parties and civil society to build a democratic Tunisia.”
Mr. William Sweeney discussed the electoral process in Tunisia. Since the electoral commission’s mandate ended in 2012, Mr. Sweeney said, “no electoral preparations have occurred,” and progress for adopting institutional and legal frameworks for elections “has been slow and limited.” He said that while the 2011 elections faced some difficulties that were largely “accepted in stride, the same tolerance may not be forthcoming for the next elections – particularly if competition is fierce.” Mr. Sweeney argued that if the next set of elections does not meet public expectations, “internal stability and the nation’s democratic transition will be threatened.” Mr. Sweeney discussed the efforts of IFES to conduct voter registration forums, provide training and advising on legal framework and campaign finance reform as well as civil society development. He concluded by noting that Tunisia is in a critical moment of its transition, and continued support for the transition is essential to Tunisia and the region.
During the Q&A, Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen asked about the delay of the National Dialogue, polarization between Islamist and secular parties, the role of external actors and of the United States in encouraging the transition, and the impact of the transition on women’s rights in Tunisia. Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL) asked what other nations seek influence in Tunisia. Congressman Brad Schneider (D-IL) asked about the perception of Tunisians that the country is going in the wrong direction. Congressman Juan Vargas (D-CA) noted that in Tunisia, as in the U.S., “It’s the economy, stupid” and asked how the economy has affected attitudes towards democracy in the country. Finally, Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA) asked how vulnerable Tunisia is to a backlash against democracy or a return of a new strongman.