On September 30, 2026, a decree-law was published in the Official Journal of the Tunisian Republic, amending the 2012 organic law that regulates the Independent Higher Instance for Elections (ISIE). This new legislation redefines the structure of the ISIE Council, enhances the central role of the presidency in appointments, and introduces non-renewable terms for council members. The changes aim to reform the composition and functioning of the ISIE.
The ISIE Council will now consist of nine independent and qualified members, appointed by presidential decree for a non-renewable six-year term. To ensure continuity, one-third of the council will be renewed every two years through a random draw, excluding the ISIE president during the first two draws. This process is designed to maintain a balanced and impartial council composition over time.
The selection process for the nine council members involves various stakeholders. Three members with expertise in elections will be directly chosen by the President of the Republic. Three magistrates from the judicial, administrative, and financial sectors, with at least 10 years of experience, will be selected from lists proposed by their respective councils. Additionally, an IT engineer and a statistics engineer will be chosen from candidates presented by the National Council for Information and Communication (CNI) and the National Institute of Statistics (INS).
A diplomat with a retirement background will be selected based on a proposal from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ISIE president will be directly appointed by the President of the Republic from among the council members. This centralized appointment process underscores the enhanced role of the presidency in the ISIE's structure.
The current members of the ISIE will continue to serve until the new team is installed. The decree-law also includes adjustments to various technical provisions and updates administrative terminology, reducing direct references to the head of government. These changes reflect a broader effort to align the ISIE's operations with the current political landscape.
The overhaul of the ISIE is part of a series of reforms aimed at restructuring key institutions in Tunisia. By modifying the ISIE's composition and functioning, President Saïed's administration seeks to enhance the credibility and efficiency of the electoral process. The impact of these changes on future elections and the country's democratic transition remains to be seen.
The decree-law on the ISIE is one of several recent moves by President Saïed to reshape Tunisia's institutional framework. Other initiatives include a significant reshuffle in the administrative and financial judiciary. As Tunisia continues to navigate its political and economic challenges, the effectiveness of these reforms in promoting stability and democratic governance will be closely monitored.
Key points
- President Saïed has issued a decree-law modifying the ISIE's structure and membership selection process.
- The ISIE Council will consist of nine members appointed for non-renewable six-year terms.
- The changes aim to enhance the presidency's role in appointments and ensure a balanced council composition.
