
Let's vote on our constitution:
The Tunisian people have suffered greatly, and its strength and determination has paid off with a new democracy. Our first challenge now is to adopt a new constitution, one that reflects the dignity and thoughts of our ancestors, as well as our current generation.
The initial constitution as released back in 1959, had morphed and changed to become as we have it today. Changes were made to either fit the Tunisian modern society or to meet the hidden agenda of the subsequent president and his affiliates. For example, the president was only allowed to three terms. This was changed to two terms, however, in 2002 the constraint on the term was removed:

Difference of one of the articles from 1959 version and 2008 version
Now we look to the future and while our elected parliament drafts the new Tunisian constitution, we decided to initiate this website to reflect the people's voice. I believe that the Tunisian Destour captures the roots of Tunisia and rather than rewrite the constitution completely, I believe that modifying the 1959 version or the 2008 amended version of the constitution to meet the needs of our new democracy and modern life will be more achievable than starting from scratch or borrowing a foreign constitution.
Our revolution began with individuals speaking out and was amplified through online communications and social networks. There is no reason we can't voice our opinions through the same means. The world is watching, some with an expectation of failure, others with hope and pride. Let's make sure that Tunisia continues to be a historic example, a model of a population coming together to change a government which thrived on oppression and despair.
Time Table:
The current parliament's timetable to release a Constitution for voting by the people is undetermined. The 1959 Destour took 3 years to create. How long will the current parliament take? Here is what we hope to accomplish with this voting scheme:
- Tunisians take this survey and determine what they want to see happen to each article. Keep the 1959 version or 2008 version as is. Amend the 1959 version or 2008 version. Or eliminate completely the article.
- On September 25th 2012, the survey closes. The results will be posted by October 15th 2012. I am hoping that this would inform the Parliament to elaborate on.
- In October 2012, a follow up survey will be released to expand on the initial findings. This survey will allow for suggestions on each article that the majority of voters want to see changed. SPECIFIC GUIDLINES will be provided on how to make suggestions.
- In 2013, we could have enough information to post a rough version of a constitution, or we could possible need another survey to expand our thoughts.
- A final survey could be released mid 2013 for you to vote on. Majority vote will identify our collective voice regarding the constitution.
The process is simple, and the outcome could be phenomenal:
- Sign in. This is needed in order to minimize spams and duplicate voters. Your info will not be published in any way and will remain private. You vote is anonymous.
- Choose the language you prefer (Arabic, French, or English)
- Choose the answer you prefer for each article in any language. You can switch languages during the votes. It will be saved as one.
Example:

- Submit your survey. You don't need to vote on each article in order to submit it.
A note on privacy: This survey is anonymous. The record kept of your survey responses does not contain any identifying information about you.
SPREAD THE WORD! The only way this will work is if Tunisians get this website info out to the public. We believe this is a way to have the people's voice heard. Our government is supposed to be working for us, let's tell them what we want to see in the future.
Reference:
The following were the links that were used to compile the set for the 1959 and 2008 versions of the destour.
- http://mjp.univ-perp.fr/constit/tn1959i.htm
- http://mjp.univ-perp.fr/constit/tn1959.htm
- http://www.destour.org/
- http://www.jurisitetunisie.com/tunisie/codes/constitution/menu-4a.html
- http://www.jurisitetunisie.com/tunisie/codes/constitution/menu-4.html
- http://www.maatpeace.org/node/738
- http://www.mpil.de/shared/data/pdf/constitution_tunisia_english.pdf
- http://confinder.richmond.edu/admin/docs/Tunisiaconstitution.pdf
- http://translate.google.com/



