Observers give Tunisia election a clean bill of health

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[url]http://www.tunisia-live.net/2014/10/27/international-observers-commend-tunisias-elections-an-extraordinary-achievement/[/url]
[quote]International observer delegations overseeing Tunisia's legislative elections held press conferences today in Tunis's Hotel Africa, praising the voting process that took place across the country on Sunday. Representatives from the National Democratic Institute (NDI), the International Republican Institute (IRI), and Tunisian civil society watchdog Mourakiboun-all of which, combined, deployed over 4,000 independent observers to monitor polling stations around the country-presented their findings on a broadly positive note.

Kenneth Wollack, President of NDI, opened by saying, "To all those who pronounce the end of democracy in this region, I urge you to visit Tunisia." Tunisia's elections, he said, showed "dialogue and an inclusive approach to politics, reflecting the spirit of the Tunisian people," and that the thousands of polling station staff, observers, and security forces carried out their roles in a "professional, calm, and peaceful manner." He further praised the country's civil society activists in their transition from "protests to politics" and their successful engagement in the political arena.

The NDI's overall positive take on the elections was reiterated by the IRI. IRI President Mark Green, former Ambassador to Tanzania, told the press, "On the IRI's behalf, I'd like to congratulate Tunisia on its elections, which were credible and transparent and allowed for genuine competition among the political stakeholders during these difficult times and under the threat of violence."[/quote]