Tunisia: Opposition calls for early elections

Tunisia should hold early parliamentary elections due to the “failure” of the current coalition government, the lead of the opposition Mahabba Current said yesterday.

Al-Hechmi Hamidi, whose party hold two seats in parliament, blamed the current government for the popular protests which took place in Tataween Province, east of the country, and Al-Kaf Province, in the west. In both protests, Tunisians called for job opportunities.

Speaking to the Anadolu Agency, the Hamidi said: “There are calls for carrying out a coup and ousting the ruling regime on social media. My call [for early elections] gives them the safety boat.”

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Parliamentary elections took place in Tunis on 26 October 2014. Based on the Constitution, the parliament elections take place every five years, but the president has the power to dissolve the parliament and call for snap elections.

Last week, Tataween Province witnessed massive protests and industrial strikes. The protesters blocked the roads used by foreign oil companies.

On Thursday, Al-Kaf Province witnessed an industrial strike and a protest held by the youth who called for improving economic conditions in the country.