Political outline

Executive Power

Article 37 of the Constitution lays down that "the executive power is exercised by the President of the Republic assisted by a government led by a Prime Minister".The President of the Republic is the Head of State. He is elected for five years by universal, free, direct and secret suffrage, and by an absolute majority of the votes cast. The President of the Republic is the guarantor of national independence, the integrity of the country, the observance of the Constitution and the laws as well as the enforcement of treaties. He sees to the regular functioning of the constitutional public authorities and ensures the continuity of the State. He benefits from jurisdictional immunity during and after the end of his period of office. The President of the Republic is the Supreme Head of the Armed Forces. He accredits diplomatic representatives to foreign powers. The President of the Republic directs the general policy of the State, defines its fundamental options and informs the Chamber of Deputies. The President of the Republic appoints the Prime Minister and, on his recommendation, the other members of the government. The President of the Republic presides over the Council of Ministers. The President of the Republic appoints civil and military high-ranking civil servants on the government's recommendation.

Legislative Power

The people exercises the legislative power through a representative assembly, called, since 1981, "Chamber of Deputies" and the Chamber of Councillors, or by referendum. The Chamber of Deputies is composed of 189 deputies elected by universal, free, direct and secret suffrage for a five-year term.
Laws are initiated conjointly by the President of the Republic and the members of the Chamber of Deputies. The bills presented by the President of the Republic have priority.

Main political parties

Democratic Constitutional Rally (RCD), the majority party.

Opposition parties:
the Progressive Democratic Party (RSP)
the Social Liberal Party (PSP)
the Unionist Democratic Union (UDU)
As for the MTI (Renaissance Party), its legalization visa has been refused.

Current political leaders

President: Moncef Marzouki since 12 December 2011 (CPR-Congrès pour la République);
Prime Minister: Hamadi Jebali since December 2011 (Ennahda).

Next election dates

Presidential elections: Not known
Parliamentary: Not known