Editorial
Exit of Bin Ali
Isn't there a message for the Arab world?
After weeks of upheaval, which started as a protest against rising food prices and then snowballed into a popular movement ,Tunisia turned the page on President Zine Al Abidine Bin Ali, ushering in an opportunity for change. He ruled the Arab country for 23 years with an iron fist now making way to Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi who has taken over provisionally as interim President. He has promised to call' free and plural' elections in six months.
This is a momentous event, being the product of arguably the first popular uprising leading to ouster of an elected President in the Arab world. What repercussions it will have in changing political landscape of countries in the volatile region, only time will unfold. Nevertheless, it does contain a message of immediate relevance to a shrinking world of authoritarianism.
Stifling of popular democratic aspirations and curbs on civil liberties, topped off by rising unemployment undid Bin Ali's entrenched hold on power as his repertoire of tricks to wriggle out of the mess ran out of steam and crumbled before his own eyes.
Arab leaders would do well if they give more space to freedom of expression and democratic aspirations of peoples in their countries. Of course, they have created riches and wealth leading to affluence in society. Yet, some work needs to be done in the areas of democratic dispensation, empowerment of people including that of women in particular, providing them with freedom of expression and voice in running the state affairs.
The ouster of Bin Ali should be an eye-opener to long serving rulers who cling to power without having delivered good governance in a truly participatory dispensation redolent with respect for the will and aspirations of the people.
It would be sometime before Tunisia settles down to normalcy. But given that it is a country rich in natural resources, a sustainable democratic system can put the country firmly back on a road to reconstruction, progress and wellbeing.
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