Washington, D.C., October 29, 2014—Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ) and Rep. Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) co-chairs of the Congressional Tunisian Caucus, released a joint statement on the success of Tunisia’s parliamentary elections held October 26, 2014, the first since the new democratic constitution was enacted in January of this year:
“I commend the Tunisian people on their highly successful legislative elections," said Rep. Schweikert.
"Since sparking the Arab Spring, Tunisia has remained a beacon of hope and an example for peaceful democratic transition throughout the region. As Tunisia looks onward to their president elections in November, I am certain that these historic elections will help to lay the foundation for a democratic and prosperous future in Tunisia.
The Congressional Tunisian Caucus and all of its members look forward to working with the newly elected officials to forge closer bonds between our two nations,” said Rep. Schweikert.
“Free and fair elections are at the heart of a democracy and on October 26th the world heard the collective heartbeat of the Tunisian people loud and clear. While many uncertainties and challenges still lie ahead, we do know this: the people of Tunisia have decided their fate. Together, they have decided to reject extremism and instead embrace a secular state with strong civil protections,” said Rep. Hastings.
“As we await the formation of Tunisia’s government through parliamentary and presidential elections, I would like to congratulate our Tunisian friends on their tremendous achievements. On behalf of my colleagues in the Congressional Tunisia Caucus, we look forward to the opportunity to meet and work with our newly elected counterparts in the Parliament of Tunisia in order to continue strengthening the longstanding strategic partnership between our two countries,” further added Rep. Hastings.
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Congressman David Schweikert and Congressman Alcee Hastings co-founded the Congressional Tunisian Caucus in the Summer of 2013. Since its inception, the caucus has worked to inform policy makers of the democratic transition in Tunisia, while strengthening bilateral relations between the United States and Tunisia.
CONTACT: Maggie Zehring, margaret.zehring@mail.house.gov
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