Tunisia’s Ennahda movement proposed amending the electoral law, paving the way for new political alliances and threatening the unity of the ruling coalition.
Parliamentary blocs including Ennahda movement, People's Movement, Tahya Tounes, the Democratic Current, and Reform Front Party had granted the government of Elyes Fakhfakh 129 votes, But the proposed electoral law brought back their political differences to the limelight.
Voting on the new law would establish a parliamentary majority that is totally different from the majority in the ruling coalition, which would push Ennahda to disengage with the coalition in an ad hoc basis to pass the law.
The movement would likely join back the coalition. But observers believe this maneuver will be subject to harsh criticism.
Ennahda defended its proposal, and its political leaders criticized the parliamentary uproar, which it considered a reason for paralyzing the government.
The parliamentary democratic blocs rejected the proposed amendment, calling for a review of the conditions for running in the elections, financing electoral campaigns, and the law of parties and associations.
They believe these issues have a direct impact on election results.
Ennahda is expected to resort to the Heart of Tunisia party and Dignity Coalition which will give the movement more than the absolute majority of the votes to approve the law, observers said.
The movement also hinges on the Free Destourian Party, chaired by Abir Moussi, because they would both benefit from the amendments in upcoming elections.
However, the Free Destourian opposes Ennahda’s principles and “political Islam” in government, and calls to remove Ennahda from the political scene, accusing it of links to the Muslim Brotherhood.
