October 24, 2009 On the occasion of Tunisia’s Presidential and Legislative Elections, President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali delivered, on Saturday, an address in which he expressed his consideration to all candidate lists from all political tendencies for the civic political behavior they have demonstrated throughout the campaign.

Here follows the full text of the address:

In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate,

Fellow citizens,
Tomorrow, Tunisian voters will go to the polls to elect the President of the Republic and the members of the Chamber of Deputies. In so doing, they exercise a fundamental right and accomplish a national duty through which the people express their will and free choice.
The presidential and legislative elections campaign was conducted with due respect for the law and the principles of democracy, and within a climate of civic behavior offering competing candidates from nine political parties, in addition to independent candidates, the opportunity to make heard their voices and present their programs, particularly through Radio and Television. Airtime was distributed among all candidate lists in conformity with the law.

I would like to thank all the candidates to the Chamber of Deputies, from all political parties and across the political spectrum, for the sound political behavior they have demonstrated during the electoral campaign, and for the commendable efforts they have exerted in being in touch with their supporters and expressing their aspirations in all the electoral districts to which they belong. I would like to remind all the candidates who will win the vote that their role does not end with the closing of the electoral campaign; it rather extends all along the coming parliamentary term, by remaining continually in touch with citizens in the regions, granting them all due attention, listening to and conveying their concerns, and following up the settlement of their problems if need be.
Keen on ensuring respect for the will of voters and commitment to the requirements of the law, we have provided, through amendments introduced into the Electoral Code, all the conditions of transparency and integrity for the voting operation. The administration has efficiently undertaken the distribution of voter cards, a process that started months ago, making sure cards have actually reached their holders. The law allows any voter who has not received his/her voter card to obtain it on election day, from the municipality where he/she is registered.
To facilitate the task of observers and of those who will follow the election process, the number of polling stations has been reduced. Besides, participating lists are allowed to appoint polling station observers from among the registered voters, even if they are registered in another electoral district.

We have given instructions to facilitate the work of observers, and to allow them to follow the election process in the best of conditions.
We have also offered the representatives of sisterly and friendly countries the possibility, if they so desire, to follow these elections.
Polling stations will be open to Tunisian and foreign observers and journalists, on the basis of the accreditations they have obtained to that end, and the prerogatives granted to each polling station officer, away from any other forms of interference and under whatever cover.
We have established a National Elections Observatory, composed of prominent figures known for their independence, to monitor the various stages of the election process; and we have given instructions for providing adequate conditions for this Observatory so that it can accomplish its mission as best as possible.
I would like to seize this opportunity to say that at a time when the Tunisian people are following the presidential and legislative elections campaign within a splendid festive atmosphere, there exists a tiny minority of Tunisians who, at this very moment, resort to, and seek the support of foreign parties which they incite against their country, and cast doubts upon its achievements and gains. This tiny minority of Tunisians have relinquished the honor of belonging to Tunisia; this honor which requires them to show a sense of propriety and discretion vis-à-vis anything that can cause harm to their country. They have not respected the sacrosanctity and inviolability of the country. Their audacity to fabricate lies and incite others against their country has reached as far as waging a desperate campaign with a number of foreign journalists, so as to cast doubts upon the outcome of elections before they even take place.
The will of our people is above all other wills. Going to the polls and accepting the results of the vote are the essence of the democratic practice. Tunisia is a country governed by the rule of law. The law is above all, and all are equal before the law. We will not tolerate any abuse, forging, or manipulation of the people’s will.
We will take all the measures required by the law to counter this behavior if it is proven that it has taken place during the electoral operation.
At the same time, the law will be strictly applied against anyone who will level accusations or cast doubts upon the transparency of the election process without providing concrete evidence.

Fellow citizens,
Tunisia will forge ahead on the path of success and excellence. Proud of its achievements and gains, and of the sense of awareness and cohesion characterizing its people, it will pursue its process of advancement toward the future with confidence and capability.
I am convinced that when you go to the polls and exercise your right to choose, you will place, with freedom and conviction, Tunisia’s interest and future above all other considerations. For Tunisia shall always come first, at all times and in all circumstances.

Long live Tunisia !
Long live the Republic !
Thank you for your attention.