Since March 2011, the National Democratic Institute (NDI) has conducted regular qualitative research in Tunisia to provide political and civic leaders with objective information about citizens’ attitudes. From August 20 to 27, 2016, NDI organized its 16th round of research—the fifth round conducted since the 2014 elections—to gauge citizens’ opinions on the performance of the parliament and members of parliament (MPs), assess their views on some pressing matters facing the country, and ascertain their awareness of and expectations for the upcoming decentralization process and local elections.
LESLIE CAMPBELL
Leslie Campbell has 25 years of experience in international development, parliamentary governance and political affairs. He joined NDI in 1994 and has directed the Institute's programs in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region since 1996. As NDI's senior associate and regional director, Mr. Campbell has overseen a vast expansion of NDI's programs in the Middle East with the establishment of offices and programs that furnish assistance with political, civic and governance reform throughout the Arab world.
In January 2016, Tunisians marked the fifth anniversary of the citizen-led uprising that toppled the regime of authoritarian leader Ben Ali. More than a year after the parliament and president took office following elections in fall 2014, Tunisia’s elected leaders are endeavoring to address the country’s pressing economic and security challenges while consolidating its young democracy.
Focus group research, conducted from October 22 to 29, 2015, targeted 144 participants from four cities across Tunisia: Gafsa, Kef, Sousse, and Greater Tunis. The research built on thirteen previous rounds of public opinion research conducted by NDI in Tunisia since March 2011. NDI’s research solicited Tunisia’s perspectives on the performance of parliament and the government on the eve of their one-year anniversaries in office, as well as on drivers of and potential solutions to economic and security issues.
This detailed report covers the entire electoral process, from the voter registration period in June 2014 to the announcement of final results of the December presidential run-off. It draws upon the findings of observers who deployed for the duration of the electoral cycle, meeting regularly with candidates and political parties, civil society representatives, and members of the national and regional election commissions.
