The Fall of Ben Ali

Zine El Abidine Ben Ali assumed power on November 7, 1987, replacing Habib Bourguiba after thirty years of rule. Ben Ali was able to peacefully transition into power by referencing Article 57 of the Tunisian Constitution.  In the April 2^nd elections in 1989, he received more than 99% of the popular vote. However, Ben Ali slowly adopted dictatorial policies as opposing Tunisian political groups gained more popular support. In 1991, he banned Ennahda, a growing moderate Islamist party, from participating in elections. He also began suppressing practitioners of Islam, including placing restrictions on the hijab and prayer, in a purported attempt to prevent the rise of Islamic extremists.

In 1994, Tunisia held its first pluralistic legislative elections. Ben Ali was the only presidential candidate, though, and earned 100% of the vote.  Opposition parties gained 19 out of 163 seats in Parliament. The super-majority in the Tunisian Parliament and his unopposed control of the presidency allow Ben Ali to exert his power in whatever manner he chose. On October 25, 2009, Ben Ali was elected for a 5^th term with 89% of the vote. While the Tunisian government claimed the elections to be ‘free and fair,’ the Tunisian people became discouraged with the ‘democracy’ in their country. In December 2010 and January 2011, rioters took to the streets, protesting unemployment and worsening economic conditions. This marked the beginning of the end of Ben Ali’s reign.

Tunisian Police in the city of Sidi Bouzid in central Tunisia on December 19, 2010. Signs say "Police" in Arabic.