On September 30, 2026, Tunisian President Kais Saied issued decree number 4, which regulates municipal councils. The decree, published in the latest issue of the Official Gazette, outlines the general framework for organizing municipal councils, their composition, and tasks. It also defines the role of municipal councils in achieving development and economic and social integration in line with the state's policies and strategic choices.
The decree includes provisions related to the creation of municipal areas by order, specifying the name of the municipality, its headquarters, and territorial boundaries. The decree's provisions will come into effect immediately after the announcement of the final results of the first municipal elections held after its issuance. Meanwhile, the provisions of decree number 9 of 2023, dated March 8, 2023, related to the dissolution of municipal councils, remain in force.
According to Mohamed Tlili Mansri, a member of the Independent High Authority for Elections and its official spokesperson, the issuance of this decree completes the legislative framework. He noted that after the issuance of decree number 8 of 2023, which amended the fundamental law number 16 of 2014 related to elections and referendums, it was necessary to complete the legislative framework to enable the elections authority to organize municipal elections.
Mansri explained that with the issuance of decree number 4 of 2026, the Local Communities Code was repealed, and the legislative framework was completed. He added that to prepare the electoral calendar for municipal elections, a presidential decree is awaited to call voters to the polls. Mansri emphasized that the issuance of a decree calling voters is a necessary formal condition for any electoral process.
The spokesperson for the Independent High Authority for Elections stressed that the authority is ready to conduct municipal elections on various human, logistical, and legislative levels. He highlighted that the organization of elections and the approval of the electoral calendar can only be done after the issuance of a decree calling voters.
The completion of the legislative framework for municipal elections is a significant step towards holding these elections in Tunisia. The municipal councils play a crucial role in achieving development and social integration at the local level. The Independent High Authority for Elections is now awaiting the presidential decree to call voters to the polls.
Once the decree calling voters is issued, the electoral process can move forward, and the country can move closer to holding municipal elections. The elections are expected to be a significant step towards strengthening local governance and democracy in Tunisia.
Key points
- The Tunisian government has completed the legislative framework for municipal elections with the issuance of decree number 4 of 2026.
