On January 31, 2014, the Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy (CSID) organized a Press Conference at Sheraton Hotel. The conference was followed by a reception to celebrate the ratification of the Tunisian Republic's Constitution. The National Constituent Assembly deputies, the leaders of political parties, as well as representatives of the Civil Society congratulated each other for this achievement.
Dr. Radwan Masmoudi, the CSID president, inaugurated the seminar by a welcome speech in which he congratulated the Tunisian population for the new constitution. He presented this event's guests of honor representing all parties, blocs at the NCA, and the NCA deputies.
Mrs. Mehrzia Laabidi, vice president of the NCA, who played a great role in this transitional period, expressed her delight for the ratification of Tunisia's new constitution. She talked about the attempts that have failed to question the drafting of the constitution. Mrs. Laabidi added that the end of the democratic process has proved the merit and awareness of the Civil Society regardless of differences.
Mr. Habib Khedhr, the General rapporteur of the Constitution, stated that "the responsibility is now in the hands of Tunisians themselves to protect the constitutional text." He spoke about the efforts of the NCA deputies that exceeded all expectations to strengthen and improve this text. According to him, the values that the new constitution embodies, such as the Independence of the Judiciary as well as improving the path of Transitional Justice, constitute an important gain. He considered Article 146 as the most important article in the constitution as it guarantees that in the future there will be only one constitution.
The list of guests of honor included also the British ambassador to Tunisia Mr. Hamish Cowell who introduced the British commitment to assist and support the democratic process in Tunisia. Mr. Cowell congratulated Dr. Radwan Masmoudi as well as the CSID staff for their contribution to this democratic process that he depicted as a "historical success."
Sheikh Rashid Ghannouchi, AlNahdha Movement's President, delivered a speech in which he presented his thanks to the quartet that efficiently managed the National Dialogue. According to him, this constitution is a strong foundation for nationalism in Tunisia. He stressed the fact that this constitution is the byproduct of the Tunisian population's willingness to make the democratic process successful. At the end of his speech, he highlighted the fact that Tunisia is a model of democracy and compatibility between Islam and modernity.
Mr. Mouldi Riahi, a leader at Attakatol Party, considered this constitution as the result of the successive accumulations since the outburst of the Tunisian Revolution in 2011. He talked also about some of the final draft's achievements such as Rights, Freedoms, Social Justice, and Equality.
Mr. Imad Daimi, the secretary-general of the Congress for the Republic Party, mentioned that all national forces contributed to this achievement, expressing sincere thanks to the previous ministers for their efforts to make this important phase of the country's History successful.
Some former ministers namely, Mr. Tarek Dhiab (the Minister of Youth and Sport) and Mrs. Sihem Badi (the Minister of Women) participated in this event.
Mr. Fadhel Moussa, a leader at the Democratic Path Party, asserted that in a democracy; difference should be accepted. He summed up the constitution's values representing compromise and compatibility. He also expressed his happiness to be part of this process.
Professor Abdelfattah Mourou, Islamic scholar and a leader at AlNahdha Movement, stated that the civil bodies wrote this constitution and that it is the result of the civil society's commitment. According to him, the sustainability of this constitution is based on the national agreement as well as the one between political parties and the civil society.
In this event's last intervention, Mr. Abdelrazak Hammami, the president of the National Democratic Labor Party, thanked all the forces that contributed in a way or in another to achieve such a success despite all obstacles and difficulties.
At the conclusion of this event, the president of the Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy, Mr. Radwan Masmoudi called on all participants for the Tunisian National Anthem and a reception that the CSID organized within "the Celebration of the New Constitution" in a festive and joyful atmosphere.
