EU: Municipal elections in Tunisia are historic step towards decentralisation

The European Union Election Observation Mission in Tunisia stated on Tuesday that the polls are considered as a “historic step” toward the establishment of the country’s decentralisation.

The head of the delegation of the European Parliament, Santiago Fisas Ayxelà, stated that the elections would contribute to “democratisation at the local level.”

Speaking at a press conference held Tuesday in Tunis, Ayxelà added that the success of the Tunisian experience is “a model for African and Arab countries and all countries of the world.”

He said that the election was conducted “credibly, constituting a decisive step for Tunisian democracy despite the low rates of participation and some technical errors.”

However, the head of the mission and Vice-President of the European Parliament Fabio Castaldo stated that despite their success and credibility, the elections were marred by some “technical and logistical errors.”

Read: Claims of violations surface following Tunisia’s elections

He pointed out that the names of some registered voters or their polling stations have been difficult to find.

He added that the polls took place in a “serene and sound” atmosphere despite delaying the opening of some offices and the presence of some minor incidents as a result of technical errors.

“The ballot counting process took place in a transparent and often consensual manner,” the chief observer said.

According to Fabio, the European mission has deployed 124 observers from 27 EU member states, along with Canada, across the country.