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Source: Getty

In The Media

The Changing Nature of the Arab World

In countries like Syria and Libya, where the situation is still fluid and tumultuous, Tunisia provides a great example of how a transitional election should unfold.

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By Marwan Muasher
Published on Oct 28, 2011
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The Middle East Program in Washington combines in-depth regional knowledge with incisive comparative analysis to provide deeply informed recommendations. With expertise in the Gulf, North Africa, Iran, and Israel/Palestine, we examine crosscutting themes of political, economic, and social change in both English and Arabic.

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Source: Viewpoints with James Zogby

Speaking on Viewpoints with James Zogby, Carnegie's Marwan Muasher explained why the Tunisian elections provide an exemplary model for the Arab world on what the beginnings of a democratic transition can look like. According to Marwan Muasher, “the results of the election, which was free from violence; the turnout, which was near 90 percent; the election committee, which ensured transparency; and the role of the military, all were very encouraging signs.” Although there is significant concern over the role of the Islamic Ennahda party, Muasher suggested that so far, Ennahda has shown itself to be a moderate Islamic party and has even run unveiled women candidates. Moreover, he pointed out that these elections are for a constituent assembly to draft a constitution. If Tunisians are unhappy with Ennahda, they can simply vote them out in the next elections, which are a year away.

In countries like Syria and Libya, and even Egypt to a certain extent, where the situation is still fluid and tumultuous, “Tunisia provides a great example of how a transitional election should unfold,” noted Muasher.

About the Author

Marwan Muasher

Vice President for Studies

Marwan Muasher is vice president for studies at Carnegie, where he oversees research in Washington and Beirut on the Middle East. Muasher served as foreign minister (2002–2004) and deputy prime minister (2004–2005) of Jordan, and his career has spanned the areas of diplomacy, development, civil society, and communications.

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Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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