Tunisia flagPolitics & Government Guide

Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions in Tunisia

Tunisia operates as a unitary semi-presidential republic under President Kais Saied, who consolidated power through a 2022 constitution and won re-election in October 2024 with over 90% amid boycotts and criticisms of authoritarianism. The bicameral parliament has limited influence, while economic challenges and political tensions persist. International concerns focus on democratic backsliding and human rights.

Political Stability

Poor

Corruption Index

Below Average

Democracy Index

Below Average

Government Type

Unitary semi-presidential republic

Legal System

Civil law system influenced by French civil law

Head of State

President Kais Saied(since 2019)

Head of Government

Prime Minister Kamel Maddouri(Independent)since 2024

Political Indicators

Political Stability
-0.45Rank #140

Scale: -2.5 to 2.5

Low stability

World Bank (2024)

Corruption Index
40Rank #87

Scale: 0-100

Transparency International (2024)

Press Freedom
56.4Rank #97

Scale: 0-100

Reporters Without Borders (2024)

Democracy Index
4.87Rank #92

Scale: 0-10

Hybrid regime

Economist Intelligence Unit (2024)

Legislature

Type:bicameral
Upper House:National Council of Regions and Districts (77 seats)
Lower House:Assembly of the People’s Representatives (161 seats)

Major Political Parties

Independent (President Kais Saied)(N/A)

Populist

161 seats
Ennahda Movement(Ennahda)

Islamist

0 seats

Voting Rights

Citizens aged 18 and over have full voting rights in presidential, parliamentary, and local elections.

Recent Developments

  • President Kais Saied won re-election on October 6, 2024, with over 90% of the vote amid low turnout and opposition boycotts
  • New constitution adopted in 2022 referendum centralizing power in the presidency
  • Dissolution of parliament and judiciary reforms in 2021-2022 to consolidate executive authority
  • Launch of fifth Open Government Partnership action plan in 2023 focusing on transparency and digital services
Voting Age18
SuffrageUniversal
Constitution2022
Governorates24