The Board of the Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE) met on Friday, after reaching the quorum, to examine the draft electoral calendar for the local elections, as well as a number of texts and decrees related to these elections, said ISIE President Farouk Bouasker.
He added that the election commission is logistically and organisationally ready for the local elections and is working hard to mobilise citizens on the role of local councils.
The ISIE has chosen a communication strategy based on direct contact with the Tunisian Post.
Bouasker added that voter turnout is a political issue and does not fall within the remit of the organisation, which remains determined to ensure the success of these elections.
On the draft electoral timetable, the ISIE President explained that the electoral period will start on September 17, with ten days for the submission of candidacies and 21 days for the campaign, which will end one day before the elections scheduled for December 17.
He went on to say that the ISIE would do everything in its power to tighten controls on sources of funding and to combat political money. A meeting with the General Financial Control Committee, representatives of the Central Bank, the Tunisian Post Office and other interested parties is scheduled for next week.
On another level, Farouk Bouasker reiterated that, contrary to rumours, political parties are involved in the local elections and have the right to present their candidates. However, party slogans are not allowed on the ballot paper, as the electoral system is uninominal.
The ISIE has coordinated with the judicial and security authorities to check candidates’ criminal records, he added.
Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse