Hon. Christopher H. Smith, Chairman
Hon. Benjamin L. Cardin, Co-Chairman
For Immediate Release

www.csce.gov
October 7, 2011

U.S. HELSINKI COMMISSION TO HOLD BRIEFING ON TUNISIA’S UPCOMING ELECTIONS

WASHINGTON— The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission) announced the following briefing:

Elections and Political Transition in Tunisia

Thursday, October 13, 2011

9:30 a.m.

B-318 Rayburn House Office Building

On January 14, 2011, longtime President of Tunisia Zine el Abidine Ben Ali fled the country following weeks of mounting anti-government protests. Tunisia’s mass popular uprising, known as the “Jasmine Revolution,” sparked anti-government and pro-reform movements in other countries across the region, and precipitated the Arab Spring. On October 23, 2011 Tunisia will hold national elections to select a transitional, 218-seat “National Constituent Assembly,” which will be charged with drafting a new constitution and preparing for presidential and parliamentary elections. Please join us for a discussion of what these elections will mean for the consolidation of democracy in Tunisia and throughout the region.

Scheduled to make presentations:

Stephen McInerney, Executive Director, Project on Middle East Democracy (POMED)

Barrie Freeman, Director for North Africa, National Democratic Institute (NDI)

Mohamed Malouche, President, Tunisian American Young Professionals

Media Contact: Shelly Han
202.225.1901

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