October 26, 2014 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today released the following statement on today’s parliamentary election in Tunisia:
“Canada congratulates Tunisia on the historic parliamentary election held today. For the first time since the adoption of a new constitution, millions of Tunisians exercised their democratic right to vote in free and credible elections.
“Tunisians have demonstrated diligence, determination and perseverance throughout their country’s transition to democracy. Canada commends the Tunisian authorities, and in particular the Independent High Authority for Elections, for their role in ensuring that the election process was carried out in a credible and transparent manner.
“I was also very pleased with Canada’s contribution to the deployment of domestic and international elections observers.
“Tunisia is a valued partner for Canada on a number of fronts, from the economic to the diplomatic, from the security to the educational. Our two countries share commitments not just to democracy, pluralism and human rights, but also to sustainable economic growth, women’s empowerment, the fight against violent extremism and the promotion of education opportunities for young people.”
For updates on Tunisia’s election, follow us on Facebook: Embassy of Canada to Tunisia.
A backgrounder follows.
- 30 -
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @DFATDCanada
Like us on Facebook: Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada-DFATD
Canada is contributing financially to support the work of the National Democratic Institute (NDI) related to Tunisia’s democratic transition, which includes the training and deployment of domestic and international observers to ensure free, credible and transparent parliamentary and presidential electoral processes.
Four prominent Canadians are taking part in the NDI-led observer delegation, namely Darrell Dexter, Elizabeth Weir, Éric Duhaime and Sylvia Thomson. More Canadian observers will take part in the NDI observer team for the November presidential election. Canadians are also taking part in the Carter Center, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance and the European Union international observer missions.
In addition to funding the NDI project, the Embassy of Canada to Tunisia has more than 20 trained and accredited observers to monitor the parliamentary and presidential elections and is providing financial support for an observation operations centre.
