Tunisia’s President Amends and Publishes Propose Constitution

The Tunisia President Kais Saied has published into the official gazette the amendments to his propose draft constitution.

The amendments to 46 chapters of the proposed constitution come amid sharp criticism of a draft proposed by the president on June 30.

Articles directing the state to work to achieve the objectives of Islam now add “within a democratic system.”

It also slightly strengthens constitutional freedoms.

Critics say the changes are minor and will not substantially limit the sweeping powers Mr. Saïed plans to give himself, after sacking the government and suspending parliament last year.

The new constitution will be put to a referendum later in July.

The legal expert who oversaw the constitution’s drafting says the final document is entirely different from what his committee proposed, and could pave the way to dictatorship.

BBC/CO