Parliamentary Elections 2014: Tunisia’s Political Landscape

A discussion with:
Zied Mhirsi 
US-based Spokesperson
Nidaa Tounes

Osama Al Saghir (via videoconference)
National Constituent Assembly Member
Ennahda

and

Scott Mastic
Director for the Middle East and North Africa
International Republican Institute

Moderated by:
Karim Mezran
Senior Fellow, Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East
Atlantic Council

On October 26, Tunisians will cast their ballots to choose a parliament, marking the first major step out of the interim phase of the democratic transition. Tunisian stakeholders successfully negotiated their way out of a political crisis last year, but questions remain as to the leading political parties’ ability to translate rhetoric into action and address serious security and economic challenges. What social and economic policies are the parties proposing? And what do these elections mean for consolidating Tunisia’s democratic evolution?
Please join us for a conversation with representatives from the two main political parties in Tunisia—Zied Mhirsi of Nidaa Tounes and Osama Al Saghir of Ennahda—who will offer insights about their respective parties’ platforms and postures in the midst of campaign season. Scott Mastic, director for Middle East and North Africa programs at the International Republican Institute, will set the scene and share his assessment of the current political landscape. 

DATE:Thursday, October 16, 2014

TIME:12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. 
A light lunch will be served. 

LOCATION: Atlantic Council
1030 15th St NW, 12th floor
Washington, DC 20005