December 2013

The downfall of Tunisia's President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali inspired pro-democracy activists across the Arab world.

Tunisians experienced widespread discontent at economic hardship and decades of autocratic rule and corruption. Mass demonstrations arose in December 2010 following an event where officials stopped a young man from selling vegetables, so he set himself on fire. Around 300 people were killed during the demonstrations. Ben Ali was forced to resign in January 2011. He had been in power 23 years. He was sentenced to life in prison, although he had fled Tunisia.

In October 2011, Tunisia held its first democratic parliamentary elections. A moderate Islamist party won more than 41% of the vote. The assembly was tasked with drafting a new constitution.

Where are we now?

By December 2013, the draft constitution was still incomplete. Opposition supporters demanded a non-partisan caretaker government until the constitution was finished. New elections were held.

Source: Arab uprising: Country by country - Tunisia
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