Veteran human rights activist and leader of the Congress for the Republic party, Moncef Marzouki, center, arrives in Tunis. The moderate Islamist party Ennahda was in talks with rivals about forming an interim coalition government to lead the birthplace of the Arab Spring through its transition to democracy. (AP Photo/Chokri Mahjoub)
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Promoting Democracy, One Vote at a Time
By Kellie McCormick-Dekker
On October 23, 2011, the people of Tunisia participated in their very first vote, taking the first steps toward becoming a full democratic state. While the vote was only for an assembly to draft a constitution, symbolically it was a momentous occasion for democracy in the Arab world.
The world has turned its eyes upon this small country, imploring the revolution and move toward democracy. President Obama even took the time to commend Tunisia for “the first democratic elections to take place in the country that changed the course of history and began the Arab Spring.”
The media has especially taken the time to idealize this event as the beginning of the spread of democracy throughout the area. Tunisia as been praised in U.S. media as being the leader in the Arab Spring movement, and as “an inspiration to pro-democracy advocates across the region.” Even in international news, the event has been praised as “a step forward.” This event provides an opportunity for western media to promote democracy and commend those who make the decision to pursue it. All the while with their praise, there exists a pressure and negative attitude towards those undemocratic countries.