Forward Thinking hold roundtables in Tunisia, 26-29 August 2014

Forward Thinking travelled to Tunisia to hold a series of roundtable meetings with both senior politicians and young political activists to discuss the situation in the country ahead of elections. The meetings brought together a diverse range of representatives, including figures from: Al Islah, CPR Ennahda, Ettakatol Joumhouri, Nidaa Tounes, the Popular Front, the student union UGET, rejectionist youth leaders and members of civil society.The roundtables came immediately ahead of the deadline for parties to submit their electoral lists for the forthcoming elections on October 26th. Discussions at the meetings focused on several issues but the ongoing threat from terrorism and its ability to disrupt the elections was a concern shared by participants from across the political spectrum. While there was a widespread desire for the elections to take place successfully, participants acknowledged that the real challenges would come in the post-election period. Youth leaders expressed particular frustration at the lack of economic development in the country and questioned if the political elite would be able to promote the necessary growth to start addressing the long-term unemployed.In addition to the roundtables, Forward Thinking also met with the leadership of several parties and representatives of the international community in Tunisia. These meetings provided an invaluable opportunity to gain insights into the current situation in the country and the challenges it faces.