On Jan. 14, longtime president of Tunisia, Zine el Abidine Ben Ali, fled the country following weeks of mounting anti-government protests. Tunisia’s mass popular uprising, known as the “Jasmine Revolution,” sparked anti-government and pro-reform movements in other countries across the region, and precipitated the Arab Spring. On Oct. 23, Tunisia will hold national elections to select a transitional, 218-seat National Constituent Assembly, which will be charged with drafting a new constitution and preparing for presidential and parliamentary elections.

Join the Helsinki Commission for a discussion of what these elections will mean for the consolidation of democracy in Tunisia and throughout the region.

Scheduled to make presentations:

• Stephen McInerney, Executive Director, Project on Middle East Democracy (POMED)
• Barrie Freeman, Director for North Africa, National Democratic Institute (NDI)
• Mohamed Malouche, President, Tunisian American Young Professionals

Thursday, Oct. 13, at 9:30 a.m.
B-318 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC
More information [2]