Rumors Spread about Tunisian Political Parties and their Funding

Asma Ghribi | 25 August 2011 | 4 Comments

The activities of some parties are being questioned by the public. It is unknown who will emerge as a frontrunner in the upcoming elections

For several years, the Tunisian political scene had been marked by stagnation and oppression. The new political landscape has replaced the pre-January 14th framework with a new one governed by money and business interests.

105 political parties now exist on the political scene. People are asking about their ideological backgrounds and their sources of funding. Some political parties have begun their campaigns before preparing their programs.

Ennahda,an Islamist party, emerged as Tunisia’s most generous party. Rumors circulating in the Tunisian streets and in the social networks claim that Ennahda is receiving financial support from Gulf countries,Qatar in particular. British media have reported that Sheikh Rached Ghannouchi, head of the Ennahda, is one of wealthiest Arabs. Ennahda’s leaders have denied all these accusations. Their way for making publicity is to be generous by organizing collective marriages, and giving tiny amounts of money to people aiming at starting their own small businesses.

The Democratic Progressive Party (PDP) has opted for mobile publicity. Billboards and posters are everywhere showing Najib Chebbi, head of the PDP next to Maya Jribi, the secretary general of the party. PDP is criticized for having started his campaign of personalities too early.

The Democratic Forum for Labour and Liberties (FDTL) founded by Mostfa Ben Jaafar, has chosen to focus on advertising using digital big screens. The party is thought to have signed contracts with corporate advertisers as they are criticized for wanting to take over people’s minds. Critics state that this party’s startegy considers people as consumers and not voters.

The National Free Party has also recently become controversial. Several questions were raised about the past of its founders and also the tremendous sources of funding that have allowed them to conduct a campaign using several media outlets. Slim Riahi, its founder, is accused of having suspicious relations with Libya and Britain, especially given that his family lived in Britain for some time before returning to Tripoli to later and work on petroleum sector projects.

All political parties are surrounded by a set of rumors. Nothing is confirmed and none has come out with a concrete proof. The Constituent Assembly’s Election is approaching and rumors are making the mission of the voter harder as they are increasing his already existing suspicions.

Source: Assabah