BBC: Tunisia’s parliament has adopted a new constitution – the first since the ousting of President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali three years ago.
The National Constituent Assembly passed the text by 200 votes from 216.
Analysts say politicians hope it will send out a message of stability after months of deadlock between Islamist and secular forces.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister-designate Mehdi Jomaa says he has formed a new caretaker government.
Analysis
There was a sense of joy, pride and relief inside the assembly, when it became clear that the new constitution had been adopted with an overwhelming majority.
Members of the public and the assembly gasped first, and then embraced each other, while they sang the national anthem.
Politicians here are hoping to send a message of stability and unity, not only to the Tunisian public, but also to international lenders.
If put into practice, clauses such as Article 45, which requires the government to create parity for women in all legislative assemblies in the country, are bound to make history.
The governing Islamist Ennahdha party made some concessions, most importantly the removal of references to Islamic law to get the text passed.
But large parts of the Tunisian public remain unconvinced that this constitution will actually make a difference to their lives. Many feel that the drafting process took too long.
Inflation and unemployment remain stubbornly high, while the coffers of the government are empty.
The cabinet consists mainly of independents and technocrats, and is expected to run the country until new elections. No date has been set for the polls.
‘Historic milestone’
After the vote on Sunday, the Tunisian flag was unfurled and parliamentarians embraced each other inside the chamber.
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But large parts of the Tunisian public remain unconvinced that this constitution will actually make a difference to their lives. Many feel that the drafting process took too long.Inflation and unemployment remain stubbornly high, while the coffers of the government are empty. Let us wait and see the outcome.