In a historic move, Tunisia's Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE) has revoked the mandate of a local council member in the town of Temgaza, Tozeur governorate. The decision was made following a vote on September 27, 2026, where 52.43% of voters chose to revoke the mandate, while 47.57% voted against it. This marks the first time a locally elected official has had their mandate revoked through a vote.
The ISIE announced the official results of the vote on September 28, 2026, at a meeting chaired by its president, Farouk Bouaskar. The meeting was attended by members of the ISIE, representatives of the executive administration, and officials from the council's office. The revocation of the mandate means the council member loses their seat on the local council, effective from the date of publication of the final decision in the Official Gazette of the Tunisian Republic.
The process of revoking the mandate was initiated on May 11, 2026, when 51 voters submitted a petition to the ISIE, citing Article 61 of the Constitution and relevant laws. The ISIE organized the vote using its own resources, without incurring significant additional costs. The local council seat will remain vacant until a by-election is held to fill the vacancy.
The ISIE's decision to revoke the mandate sets a precedent for similar cases in the future. According to the laws governing local elections, a council member's mandate can be revoked if a petition with sufficient signatures is submitted. The process is designed to ensure that elected officials are accountable to their constituents.
The local council in Temgaza will now need to operate with one fewer member until a by-election is held. The ISIE will be responsible for organizing the by-election, which will be held in due course. The revocation of the mandate highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in local governance.
The case has sparked interest in the role of the ISIE in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. The authority has demonstrated its independence and impartiality in handling the case, which involved a locally elected official. The decision to revoke the mandate was made in accordance with the law and the constitution.
The revocation of the mandate serves as a reminder to elected officials of the importance of being responsive to their constituents. It also demonstrates the effectiveness of the mechanisms in place for holding elected officials accountable. The ISIE's actions have reinforced trust in the electoral process and the rule of law in Tunisia.
Key points
- The Independent High Authority for Elections in Tunisia has revoked the mandate of a local council member in Temgaza, Tozeur governorate, following a vote to do so.
