(ANSAmed) - TUNIS - Political parties in Tunisia's
Constituent Assembly - Ennahdha, which has relative majority, on
one side and most other political factions on the other - are at
odds over the future role of parliament and of the president of
the republic in the constitution they are drafting. Ennahdha is
pushing for a parliamentary system while the other political
parties in the assembly would like the president to have a more
relevant role than a merely symbolic one.
The stake is high as the outcome of the current debate will define the roles of parliament, the prime minister and the president in post-regime Tunisia.
The parliamentary system endorsed by Ennahdha would have strong political meaning as parliament, which is voted by citizens, would hold the key role in the system and elect the prime minister.
The semi-presidential system would provide for the direct election of the president, granting the role specific functions and more power than in a parliamentary system where a president mostly signs laws and bills.
As an agreement currently appears impossible, Amor Chétou, the president of the Commission on legislative and executive powers of the assembly, has called for a popular referendum to decide the issue.
(ANSAmed).
The stake is high as the outcome of the current debate will define the roles of parliament, the prime minister and the president in post-regime Tunisia.
The parliamentary system endorsed by Ennahdha would have strong political meaning as parliament, which is voted by citizens, would hold the key role in the system and elect the prime minister.
The semi-presidential system would provide for the direct election of the president, granting the role specific functions and more power than in a parliamentary system where a president mostly signs laws and bills.
As an agreement currently appears impossible, Amor Chétou, the president of the Commission on legislative and executive powers of the assembly, has called for a popular referendum to decide the issue.
(ANSAmed).
