The European Union takes note of the preliminary results of the constitutional referendum held in Tunisia on 25 July, for which turnout was low. A broad consensus among the various political forces, including political parties and civil society, is both essential for the success of a process that preserves the democratic acquis and necessary for all the major political and economic reforms Tunisia will undertake. The legitimacy and sustainability of those reforms will depend on it.

The preparations and arrangements for the parliamentary elections scheduled for December should therefore be seen as an opportunity to foster a genuine exchange within the framework of an inclusive national dialogue. As the European Union and the Venice Commission have repeatedly pointed out, that dialogue will be an important condition for establishing a legislative framework which ensures the legitimacy and representativeness of the future parliament.

The election of the parliament will be the cornerstone of the return to normal functioning of the country’s institutions, with full respect for democratic principles, in particular the separation of powers, consolidation of the rule of law, pluralism and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Freedom of expression, press freedom, freedom to demonstrate and the other fundamental freedoms are essential values of democratic states to which the European Union attaches particular importance and which must be preserved.

The European Union will continue to follow developments closely, and will stand by the Tunisian people and listen to their needs at this crucial time for the country.

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