Tunisia's national assembly succeeded to appoint an electoral council that will supervise the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections, state news agency TAP reported. The long-awaited political agreement on the election body will pave the way for the resignation of the current ruling Islamic cabinet by January 14, according to the local media. The next technocrat and independent government will be headed by Mehdi Jomaa, an engineer and former minister.
Late in December 2013, Tunisia’s rival political parties designated Jomaa as a neutral and suitable PM to form a transitional government that will oversee the upcoming elections which will take place likely in H2. The electoral council will organise and assign election dates and will also draw up electoral districts and set electorate lists.
Tunisia has been in a political deadlock since February 2013 when an opposition leader was gunned down in the capital Tunis. The opposition has called for the resignation of the government but Ennahda has refused to do so.
Fitch, Moody's and S&P have already downgraded Tunisia's ratings on political uncertainty and its potential damaging economic impact.
The current political compromise might ease pressures on the economy and boost investor sentiment helping the IMF and other IFIs release much-needed financial assistance.
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