Tunisian voters approve new constitution, expand executive power News
jorono / Pixabay
Tunisian voters approve new constitution, expand executive power

Tunisian citizens voted Monday to accept the country’s new constitution and expand the president’s powers. In a vote with 25 percent voter turnout, the constitution was adopted by over 90 percent of voters. Tunisia’s 2014 constitution allowed more representation and parliamentary power. In July 2021, President Kais Saied used emergency powers to fire the prime minister and freeze parliament for a month. Earlier this year, Saied brought forth the idea of a new constitution.

The new constitution will grant Saied increased power over the legislature. Additionally, it will give the executive more powers in the judiciary, eliminating separate branches of government. Along with the elimination of an independent judiciary, the new constitution eliminates human rights and gender equality safeguards that were included in the 2014 constitution. Amnesty International fears the new constitution will continue to erode Tunisia’s democracy and have repercussions around the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Saied stated the first step after the constitution’s passage is to “draft an election law.” The opposing Ennahda Party is fighting for Tunisia’s democracy. They hope consolidation of power will be undone, with the constitutional powers returning to separate branches of Tunisia’s government.

THIS DAY @ LAW

38 Santee Sioux hanged by US for rebellion

On December 26, 1862, 38 Santee Sioux men were hanged in a mass execution for their roles in a rebellion against US authorities in Minnesota which left hundreds dead and made refugees of some 40,000 white settlers. Government annuities promised under a treaty with the Sioux had failed to arrive on schedule and credit for purchases was not advanced in the meantime, threatening the tribe with starvation. The Santee Sioux Tribe's members were deported first to South Dakota and ultimately to Nebraska, where they remain today. Learn more about the 1862 Minnesota Sioux Rebellion.

Louis XVI put on trial during French Revolution

On December 26, 1792, Romain de Sèze, a defense attorney for deposed King Louis XVI, presented a defense of his client. The former King was on trial before a French Revolutionary court on thirty-three charges, including treason and other crimes against the state. He was convicted on January 15, 1793 executed by guillotine on the following January 21.