Presidential spokeswoman Saida Qarash has affirmed that Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi signed a presidential order that invites voters to carry out their electoral duty.
Qarash also said that the president vowed to continue his presidential term to impede any ongoing debate on a possible void.
Meanwhile, Head of the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) Nabil Bafoun has revealed the commission’s commitment to the presidential and parliamentary calendar scheduled during the third quarter of the current year.
In a meeting held by the IHEC in Tunis on Friday, Bafoun stressed that the elections should not be delayed and that the commission would accept candidacies for parliamentary elections on July 22. He also demanded to cease pressure on the commission, considering that it distances itself from all political tensions, given that it is a constitutional authority.
Also, in a new political step, a number of retired military Tunisians are planning to establish the first political party consisting of former warriors. The new party "Act for Tunisia" will hold a press conference next Wednesday to present its goals and announce its options.
The movement stands out since the majority of its affiliates would be security and militarily retired leaders, and it seeks to unite Tunisians within a national accord based on qualification, responsibility, accountability, diversity, ambition, and realism.
For his part, Tunisian political analyst Khalil al-Hanashi said the thought of a political party led by former army leaders raises concerns among Tunisians because a comparison with the Libyan and Sudanese situations will be definite.
Moreover, observers see that the formation of Act for Tunisia aims to hinder the path of Tahya Tounes – led by Minister Youssef Chahed.
