Will Tunisia Follow the Turkish Model?

Nearly twenty years ago, soon after the fall of the Berlin Wall and communism, Russia's moved towards freedom and democracy seemed irreversible.  At that time Russia committed itself to uphold democratic principles and to safeguard basic freedoms and the rights of its people.  Today,  those ideals do not appear to be true. 

Democracy in Russia is in retreat.  After serving two four-year terms as president Vladmir Putin selected Dmitri Medvedev as the candidate of choice as his successor.  Because of constitutionally mandated term limits Putin was not able to run for a third consecutive term.  In return Putin was nominated by Medevedev to be Russia's Prime Minister.  In September 2011 Putin announced that he would seek a third non-consecutive term in the 2012 elections.  It is expected that he will run virtually unopposed.  The Russian constitution has been modified and the presidential term now is 5 years.  Thus Putin could now serve two 5 year terms. 

Today Tunisia is at the same turning point.  The country has just held its first democratic elections in 23 years. In the recent elections the moderate Islamist party, Ennahda won the most votes.  Because the party did not gain more than 50%, it will have to govern in coalition.  While Ennahda is an Islamist Party, it does not seek an Islamic state.  Talks are underway with secular parties.  The new government will form a Constituent Assembly.  The purpose of the assembly is draft a constitution.  They will have one year to do this.  Tunisia views Turkey as its model. 

Turkey is a parliamentary representative democracy and has a strong tradition of secularism.  For years, Turkey has tried to have a closer relationship with Europe, even wanting to join the European Union; only to be told the discussions who come at a later date.  While the European Union drags its feet, Turkey can now look to the countries in North Africa, and be a model for them, as well as a leader.  While the results from the countries participating in the "Arab Spring" are still unknown, the Turkish model should be one that all consider.