2019 Tunisian parliamentary election


Parliamentary elections took place in Tunisia on 6 October 2019.

Electoral system

The 217 members of the Assembly of the Representatives of the People were elected by closed list proportional representation in 33 multi-member constituencies. Seats were allocated using the largest remainder method. Lists must adhere to the zipper system with alternating female and male candidates, and must have a male and female candidate under the age of 35 in the top four in constituencies with four or more seats.

Results

No party or alliance obtained anywhere near enough seats for a majority, meaning long talks are likely ahead to form a governing coalition, especially compared to the previous elections in 2014. Ennahdha, despite losing seats, became the largest party due to the fracturing of votes between other smaller, newer, or less established parties., former Minister of Agriculture, is expected to be put forward as their candidate for Prime Minister, and the party could potentially turn to several others for assistance in forming a coalition, including the Islamist Dignity Coalition or the Democratic Current, as well as smaller parties. Heart of Tunisia, the Free Destourian Party, and Tahya Tounes announced after the results were released that they would prefer to sit in the opposition.
The new Assembly will take office no later than 30 November, and the leading party has two months after being selected by the president to form a coalition. If a coalition cannot be formed, the president can select a candidate of their choice to attempt to form a government. If this second attempt fails, a new election will be called.
In February 2020, the parliament approved a new coalition government in a confidence vote after months of struggling to form a coalition. The new coalition will include Ennahdha, Tahya Tounes, the People's Movement, the Democratic Current, and Tunisian Alternative, as well as several independents.