“…a revolution is only completed once the revolutionary yields power voluntarily due to retirement or election defeat…” The victory was expected. However, precedent for broader Arab Revolution and implications for writing new Tunisian constitution are yet to be realized. The Tunisian Revolution was not driven by the old banned Islamic parties, but rather a broad coalition acting largely in secular context. Suicide as Model Behavior & Historic Action on Behalf of Change & Revolution: Undoubtedly God and faith were the inspiration for many individuals and not the movement as an institution. The suicide of a desperate, poor vegetable peddler Mohamed Bouazizi that sparked the Tunisian and broader Arab protests was notably beyond acceptable Islamic behavior. Now Bouazizi is celebrated in Tunis, the Arab world and indeed beyond. His action is seen in heroic and with historic perspective. Sharia & Constitution: This is but one of ideological/theological challenges facing the apparent victors, the moderate Islamist party Ennahda, (Renaissance Party), which appears to have won a majority but not an absolute one. It will have to make a coalition to rule and presumably even broader alliance to write a new constitution for Tunisia. Ennahda's success could boost other Islamist parties in the North Africa and the Middle East. Ennahda claims its approach to Sharia, or Islamic law, is consistent with Tunisia’s progressive traditions, including in regards to women’s rights. Preliminary indications are that Ennahda had gained at least 30 percent of the seats in the new Assembly that will draft the new constitution. for the country. International observers heralded the election as free and fair. This is indeed a good precedent for Tunisia and the rest of the Arab world. In half century since the 1956 independence from France, Tunisia has been practically a one-party state until Tunisians kicked out President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in January after a month-long popular uprising. Nine months of unrest, further demonstrations and political wrangling in the country of 10 million preceded Sunday’s vote. The election turnout was huge, and almost overwhelmed the polling stations, but it did not. Another good precedent. Broader Unity? The real functional work in securing democracy though is centered around the writing of a new constitution. This must include a broad coalition in order for the process to have lasting credibility and impact when the foundations of a new Tunisia may be shaken and tested in the future, and they will be inevitably. The center-left more secularist parties as group almost garnered half the votes on basis of preliminary indications. Their inclusion is vital for credibility as well as unity. The constituent assembly elected will have an incredibly important role in building Tunisia’s new democracy. It will not only appoint a new interim government but write the constitution that will determine how the country will function. “Civilizational” & Global Implications: Ennahda says it wants Islamic law, to be the source of the country’s legislation, but also insists that the country’s progressive personal status code is compatible with its ideals and that it respects all religions and creeds. The party’s ability to gain votes by moderating its message in a country with a progressive social history could be a model for Islamist parties elsewhere. If Tunisia succeeds in implementing not only such a constitution but also precedent of interpreting Islamic law, this will be as big as a second revolution launched from Tunisia in the Islamic world. The process may follow the Turkish model or perhaps even lead - help shape Turkey’s own democratic Islamist evolution. The risks but also opportunities are of a generational character and with implications for civilization and globe. However, the process will be considerably more subtle, without guns and revolutionary yells on the street but rather pen and intense debate in Parliamentary chambers. While the outlines may be recognizable almost immediately, the character of this revolutions legacy will probably not be impressed until the passing of the old generation to the new. I’ve always believed that a revolution is only completed once the revolutionary yields power to the next wave. ARTICLE – “Arab Revolutions-How Far?” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/arab-revolutions-how-far-by-ambassador-mo/25222 ARTICLE – “Egypt & Tunisia: Revolutions Lost” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/egypt-tunisia-revolutions-lost/27921 FILM REPORT –“Tunisia Revolution & Human Rights”- diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/tunisia-revolutionhuman-rights/24101 By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Facebook - Become a Fan at "Diplomatically Incorrect" Twitter - Follow at DiplomaticallyX “War Crimes Justice” Channel - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/war-crimes-justice