Critics warn Tunisia president’s draft powers still too great

Tunisia’s President Kaïs Saïed has published amendments to his draft constitution – in an attempt to counter some of the criticism the document faced when it was published last week.

Articles directing the state to work to achieve the objectives of Islam now add “within a democratic system”.

It also slightly strengthens constitutional freedoms.

Critics say the changes are minor and will not substantially limit the sweeping powers Mr Saïed plans to give himself, after sacking the government and suspending parliament last year.

The new constitution will be put to a referendum later in July.

The legal expert who oversaw the constitution’s drafting says the final document is completely different from what his committee proposed, and could pave the way to dictatorship.

By bbc