Why We Vote Ben Ali

There are certain moments in the history of nations which acquire special significance because of the nature of the choices taken, often in dire times, when clarity of vision and political courage are as rare as necessary.

In the history of Tunisia, November 7, 1987, was a momentous event which wrestled the country away from the political and economic chaos that was threatening to engulf it and undermine its fundamental civilizational tenets based on modernity, enlightenment, gender equality and solidarity.

Responding to the call of duty, one man has set Tunisia back on track at a crucial time of its history, pacifying the country and giving it a new impulse whose momentum is still helping it steer a place for itself in the concert of nations, as testified by the various international rankings, testimonials and distinctions Tunisia receives each day.

That man is President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Today as the country prepares for another momentous event, the 2009 presidential and legislative elections, we feel it is time to take stock of the achievements and challenges facing the country.

Undeniably, and in spite of the country’s limited natural resources much has been achieved since the advent of the Change, the economy has been re- energized, infrastructure has been buttressed, use of ICT is soaring , women’s rights consolidated and the country’s confidence in itself restored. In a region which is characterized by its instability and lurking threats of terrorism, Tunisia has been spared the terrible price of civil strife or warfare ; considered by many as a haven of peace, the country is pursuing its development little affected by the global recession and the impending doom and gloom.

Moreover, pluralism is now an integral part of Tunisia’s political landscape, human rights have now acquired a comprehensive dimension and solidarity is not simply a buzz word, but a fact of life, as well as one of the pillars of development.

With some 4 million Tunisians under 22, the challenges ahead in terms of education, training and employment are many. However so is the potential the country is capable of unleashing.
An economic powerhouse in Africa and in the Maghreb, Ben Ali’s Tunisia is also an element of peace and stability in the region. A voice of moderation, tolerance and dialogue, Tunisia has largely contributed to peace- keeping missions and in promoting an active diplomacy which has earned it the respect of many nations throughout the world. It has also joined international efforts to combat the scourge of terrorism and to foster sustainable development.

All these achievements however are not the result of some miracle or felicitous providence, but of the capacity of a man to inspire faith in Tunisian skills and competencies, and of a prospective and pragmatic vision that is based on the firm belief that the promotion of human resources is always a worthwhile bet.

This is why the work engaged 22 years ago must continue, the Change must be pursued, a new dawn is rising and the stakes for the coming 5 years will determine the country’s future societal project.

On Sunday October 25, as Tunisians voters will choose from 4 candidates representing a broad spectrum of Tunisian political life, we remain more than ever convinced that Ben Ali is the country’s best chance.

More than ever, we need a president who already has and will inspire Tunisians to carry on the process undertaken since the Change, a president who inspires us to dream and challenges us to take action, a president who can build the future and who is committed to improve the life of Tunisians, a president who keeps his pledge. That man, is PresidentBen Ali.

Please send your support messages to : blogs@benali.tn

Mustapha Nasraoui (President of the University of Jendouba), Imed Ben Ammar (University of Manouba), Sadok Bouhlila (University of Manouba), Mohamed Chagraoui (University of Tunis, el Manar), Hassen Maaref (University of Monastir), Jaleleddine Boussedra (University of Manouba), Mohamed Haddad (Holder of UNESCO Chair of comparative religious, University of Manouba), Faiza Derbel (University of Manouba), Hichem Hlioui (University of Manouba) Mabrouk Trabelsi (University of Tunis), Mhamed Ali Maaref (November 7 University at Carthage), Mounir Bezzarga (University of Tunis), Adnene Abdelghani (November 7 University at Carthage), Fredj Hassen (University of Monastir), Larbi Sfaxi (University of Monastir), Bechir Ben Hassine( University of Monastir), Narjess Ben Yedder (November 7 University at Carthage), Salwa Ayari (University of Sfax), Rim Triki (University of Tunis, el Manar), Amel Haddad (University of Tunis, el Manar), Aida Haddad (University of Jendouba), Asma Gaaloul (University of Jendouba), Dorra Maalej (University of Jendouba), Dorra Touzri (University of Jendouba), TO BE CONTINUED...