Tunisia's Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE) has announced that it will hold a by-election in the locality of Temgaza, Tozeur governorate, after the mandate of a local council member was revoked. The decision was made after the end of the appeal period for the election, which saw 52.43% of voters approve the revocation of the councilor's mandate. The by-election will be held within three months, following the issuance of a decree calling for voters to participate.
The revocation of the councilor's mandate was initiated by 51 voters, who submitted a petition citing Article 61 of the Constitution and relevant laws. The ISIE reported that the election was conducted in a lawful manner, with no irregularities recorded. The turnout for the election was 21%, which ISIE spokesperson Tallel Mnassri described as "acceptable". The process was conducted using the authority's resources, with expenses not exceeding 1,000 dinars.
Mnassri stated that the ISIE had verified the results and would publish the decisions in the Official Gazette, as well as on its website and at its headquarters. The local council concerned will be informed of the decision, and the by-election will be organized after the necessary procedures have been completed. This is the first time a by-election has been held to revoke a local council member's mandate.
The ISIE is also preparing for upcoming elections, including legislative and local polls. Mnassri emphasized that the authority will begin preparations for these elections, which are scheduled to take place in the coming years. The authority's budget for electoral expenses is allocated automatically during election years by the Parliament.
In addition to the by-election in Tozeur, the ISIE is also preparing for a by-election in Silyana governorate, which is scheduled to take place on November 15, 2026. The authority has approved the electoral calendar for this by-election, which will be conducted according to the relevant laws and regulations.
The ISIE has confirmed that it is ready to organize any electoral process at all levels, including municipal elections. However, Mnassri noted that municipal elections are not periodic and are contingent on a political decision to call for voters to participate. The authority will approve the electoral calendar for municipal elections once the necessary decree is issued.
The revocation of the local council member's mandate in Tozeur and the upcoming by-elections highlight the functioning of Tunisia's electoral system and the mechanisms in place for accountability. The ISIE plays a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and transparency of the electoral process.
Key points
- - The by-election in Tozeur will be held within three months after the mandate of a local council member was revoked. - The Independent High Authority for Elections reported a 21% turnout for the election that revoked the councilor's mandate. - The ISIE is preparing for upcoming elections, including legislative and local polls.
