Tunisia ratifies new constitution

WASHINGTON, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- The Tunisian parliament ratified the country's new constitution on Monday. The charter is intended to bring an end to three years of political instability.

Interim President Moncef Marzouki, with resigning Prime Miniter Ali Laaraydh and National Constituent Assembly head Mustafa Ben Jaafar, signed the constitution. Addressing the assembly, Marzouki announced "With the birth of this text, we confirm our victory over dictatorship... Much work remains to make the values of our constitution a part of our culture."

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mehdi Jomaa has been tasked by the interim president to form a technocratic government, which will help organize legislative and presidential elections.

The United States Department of State commended Tunisia's ratification of the constitution.

"The debates, discussions, and compromises throughout the process of drafting and ratifying the new constitution resulted in a document that respects and guarantees the rights of all Tunisians. We look forward to further steps in the democratic transition..."

Tunisia, home of the Jasmine Revolution that sparked the regional Arab Spring in 2011, has struggled with political instability, insecurity, and a weakened economy. Opposition elements criticized the Ennahda government for failing to keep its promises to hold elections in Spring 2013, reign in their extremist followers, and address the struggling economy. In September 2013, the ruling Islamist Ennahda party agreed to hand over power after a new constitution was written and an electoral commission appointed.

[The Tunis Times] [State Department]