Madame Ferida Labidi, a number of analysts have emphasised that Ennahda has made some painful concessions, while others have said that rather than concessions made by Ennahda, this was a victory for the party’s modernist wing. What is your opinion?
Circumstances and the events that took place in Tunisia resulted in Ennahda having to face its responsibilities regards to the people and the country. The party chose to make concessions for the good of the nation. Sheikh Rached [Ghannouchi] expressed this well saying, “Anyone wanting a constitution for their political party wishes to establish a new dictatorship.” The success of this transition period depends on universal consensus. Ennahda has chosen to govern in cooperation with the secular parties. It has asked the leaders of all political parties, including those not represented in the Constituent Assembly, to participate in the government, but most chose to join the opposition. Ennahda’s vision takes into account the fact that during transition periods there is not a stable democracy in which there is a clear division between the government majority and the minority in opposition. It is instead a constituent period during which the country need the energy and the effort of all citizens, all parties and all NGOs.
How was this atmosphere of compromise achieved?
Ennahda chose to take part in the national dialogue organised by the NGOs (UGTT, UTCA, LTDH, ODA, Editor’s Note) although respecting the roadmap established in order to reach a compromise on the finalisation of three simultaneous processes. These were the governmental process (resignation of the government presided over by an Ennahda in favour of an independent government formed by all political parties), the constitutional process completed with the adoption of the constitution approved with an unexpected majority (200/16 = 93%) and the electoral process that began with the election of a superior independent body. Ennahda resigned from government to ensure the success of the democratic process, the safety of the nation and to avoid anarchy.
The party’s courage in voting in favour of gender equality was particularly appreciated. What were the reasons behind this choice?
That was our position throughout all stages of the debate for the new constitution. This means equal rights and responsibilities for all men and women and their equality in the eyes of the law. This principle is sanctioned in Article 21 of the constitution that establishes citizens’ equality. This position is based on our Islamic persuasions, which makes both men and women responsible and does not discriminate between them. Article 45 of the constitution states that “The state is committed to the protection of acquired rights for women and works to support and develop her. The state shall endeavour to achieve the principle of parity between men and women in elected councils. The state shall take measures to ensure the elimination of violence against women.”
What is your idea of Tunisian civil society? What role did demands made by civil society have in the work of the Constituent Assembly?
Like all institutions in the country, after the uprising civil society was in search of role and now plays a respectable role at a political and social level and in the country’s development. The Constituent Assembly’s approach to participation paved the way for civil society, ensuring it was heard and was part of the national dialogue held with all the republic’s governorships.
What do you expect from the results of the coming elections?
Ennahda’s concessions and the party’s civilised and democratic behaviour have provided a clearer idea that it is a moderate party. This will be reflected in its image among citizens who have appreciated such behaviour and concessions, even if it is the majority party elected by the people in fair and credible elections. Furthermore, most Tunisians are aware that Ennahda is the most organised party, the closest to citizens, especially in working class areas. This strengthens the people’s confidence in the party for the next elections and we will be elected by the majority of Tunisians as we were in October 2011, and we will do even better.
Translated by Francesca Simmons