Elections in Tunisia: 2014 Independent High Authority for Elections Selection

On January 8, 2014, Tunisia’s National Constituent Assembly (NCA) elected all nine members of the Tunisian Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE) Board of Commissioners, after several months of discussions and repeated setbacks – allowing for the organization of the next legislative and presidential elections.

Although eight members were rapidly elected in July 2013, the process was interrupted by the assassination of NCA opposition leader Mohamed Brahmi and the subsequent withdrawal of opposition members from the NCA. The Administrative Tribunal’s decisions to suspend and later reject a shortlist of 36 candidates by the NCA’s Pre-Selection Committee added to the delay. This successful election marked the end of a process that began in July 2012.

The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) frequently asked questions (FAQs) Elections in Tunisia: Selection of the 2014 Independent High Authority for Elections discuss key elements of ISIE selection, including: