Ennahdha Movement is not immune to the Islamist-secular debate, having delayed holding its 10th congress until spring 2016. There are intense debates within Ennahdha, in light of its short-lived time in power. This year’s conference is coming to be considered as its second founding congress, and will review strategic issues such as the possibility of splitting Ennahdha between two bodies: one focusing on political participation and engagement, while the other becomes a charity or foundation to focus on social, educational, and ‘works of goodness’. There is even deep discussion of revamping the vision and ideological reference of the Ennahdha; with some figures pushing for abandoning reference to Islam in the party’s manifesto, and rebranding the party as a civic and democratic one for all Tunisians.

In December, Dr. Abdelatif Mekki, a leading figure in the party, explained that some even suggested changing the name Ennahdha, because some secular experts like Dr. Alia Alania believe it is now associated with the 2013-14 political assassinations and emergence of violent Salafi groups in Tunisia. Other experts on Islamic thought, like Dr. Sami Brahem, explain that Ennahdha has been undergoing a profound internal debate on the party future, in light of its performance in power and the subsequent National Dialogue negotiations. Besides, the latest polemics around the dismissal of Imams and closure of hundreds of mosques, the law on the regulation of sale of alcohol, and the LGBT debate, are all issues that made Ennahdha appear reticent in the eyes of its base; as if it did not rise to the challenge of secularists. 41 meetings have been held at the level of local structures of Ennahdha, in preparation for the nomination of delegates for the national congress. Echoes from the local bureaus meetings show that the youth base of Ennahdha is very critical of the concessions that the leadership has made to Nidaa Tounes, and advise a more assertive stand from Ennahdha; in the face of an opposition in disarray. Given that this is the party’s 10th congress, it is expected that there will be a significant elite circulation within Ennahdha’s leadership structures, where a significant number of young leaders will be entrusted with high-ranking positions. It is however unclear whether Ghannouchi would stand for the presidency again. In the last congress, he won by a margin of just 70 votes, in a congress that counted 1,200 delegates. Regardless, he enjoys strong support beyond the party, as Nidaa Tounes’ founding congress demonstrated. These practical and strategic issues (including the role and place of Rashed Ghannouchi) indicate that the 10th congress of Ennahdha will be a watershed in Tunisian politics.

Liens pour plus d’informations :

http://www.lapresse.tn/12012016/108913/la-nouvelle-vague-monte-au-creneau
http://www.lapresse.tn/12012016/108904/le-parti

Posted by lakhdarghettas

Dr. Lakhdar Ghettas Author of Algeria and the Cold War: International Relations and the Struggle for Autonomy (London & NY: IB Tauris, 2018)