Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will make representations to the government of Tunisia on (1) preserving the independence and constitutional authority of the Independent High Authority for Elections, and (2) seeking to ensure that the Independent High Authority for Elections leader, Sami Ben Slama, is allowed full defence in respect of the charges pending against him.

The UK is aware of the changes to the Independent High Authority for Elections. The UK believes that checks and balances are needed in all political systems, as core components of a functioning, transparent democracy. This is something that we have regularly raised with the Tunisian Government since 25 July 2021.

The UK is aware of the legal case being brought against Sami Ben Sala. We regularly raise respect for human rights and due legal process with the Tunisian Government. All legitimate political actors should be able to operate, and the judiciary must carry out its work independently and transparently. We regularly raise human rights with the Tunisian authorities, and will continue to do so.