The Daily Star
Tunisian Ennadha Party supporters wave flags as they wait for the party’s leader to give a speech on October 27, 2014 in Tunis following the legislative election. AFP PHOTO / FADEL SENNA
From the birthplace of the Arab Spring, the region finally has some positive news in these seemingly darkest of times. The candle that Tunisia has lit should now shine a light across the region, and inspire democracy to endure.
In the first parliamentary elections since the overthrow of former president Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali in 2011, Islamist party Ennahda – which has governed since then – has graciously admitted defeat to the secular Nidaa Tounes party. But both parties have agreed to work together, and will likely form a unity government.
The aftermath of Sunday’s election has been as respectful and peaceful as the campaigning itself was, with rival candidates refusing even to take part in mudslinging.
Since Mohammed Bouazizi self-immolated in December 2010, an event which catalyzed the uprising in that country upon his death the following January – which then inspired similar protests in Egypt, Libya, Yemen and Syria – the outside world has looked to Tunisia as the most stable and promising nations in this turbulent climate.
This election result cements that, and should both give hope to the rest of the region that calmness and unity can prevail, and that ultimately, people want stability and peace, that they all want a basic standard of living and equal rights, and that dictators will eventually have to give their populations freedoms and justice.
And it should also serve as an important reminder to the outside world that no matter how hard they try, foreign powers must eventually let the citizens of a country decide their future.
A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Daily Star on October 29, 2014, on page 7.
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