In 2015, Tunisia hosted the Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy. Hundreds of democracy activists and experts from around the world gathered there to learn about the miracle of the Mediterranean nation’s peaceful transition from a dictatorship to a democracy after the 2011 Jasmine Revolution. And while the hope of the Arab Spring turned to a bitter winter of discontent in so many neighbouring countries, we marveled at Tunisia’s steadfastness and commitment to become a true democracy. So impressive was the example set by the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet, that the transition process was awarded the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize.

When we gathered In Tunis in 2015, we did not only come to learn from Tunisia, we also came to make a commitment. We promised that, as democrats from across the world, we would stand with Tunisians as they set out on a road towards a true democracy.

This is why we are deeply worried by the developments taking place in Tunisia today. The suspension of the separation of powers, the imprisonment and persecution of opposition figures, the restrictions imposed upon the free press and civil society and the flagrant disregard for the provisions of the democratic Constitution of Tunisia stand to plumet the country back into the autocracy that Tunisians so fiercely and bravely rejected in 2011.

Now more than ever we need to amplify the voices of democrats in Tunisia. We cannot look the other way. Let's stay vigilant, follow the news in Tunisia, share the messages of Tunisian intellectuals, academics, civic and political activists. Copy this letter, share it, lend your voice to their cause. We cannot abandon our Tunisian colleagues in this time of crisis.

In our closing declaration of the 2015 Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy, drafted with all participants in attendance, we called for more grassroots democracy: “Participation and democracy demand equality for all and leadership from all”. This holds true today more than ever. We are reminded of the hopeful inclusive and participatory process that crafted the new constitution in 2014.

We call on President Saied not only to make a swift and clear return to the letter and spirit of this constitution, but to release the true democratic and participatory potential it holds. As President it is your duty to honor the will of the Tunisian people and your responsibility to stay the course that they have set in 2011. It is not too late.

Sincerely, 

Joe Mathews & Bruno Kaufmann

Co-Presidents of the Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy

The Board of Democracy International