Snap elections to the new 161-member Assembly of People's Representatives in 2022 and 2023 followed political turmoil, which began in July 2021. That year, President Kais Saied dismissed Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi and his government, and suspended the then 217-member Assembly of People’s Representatives (see note 1). Many opposition parties boycotted the 2022–2023 elections. The polls were held under a new constitution, which had been ratified by a referendum in July 2022 (see note 2). A two-round system (instead of list proportional representation) was applied. Most of the 1,050 candidates stood as independents (see note 3). Only 11% of 9 million registered voters turned out in the first round of elections. In all, 25 women were elected. On 13 March, the newly elected parliament held its first session, thereby restoring the legislature after a suspension of nearly two years. The parliament elected Mr. Brahim Bouderbala, a close ally of President Saied, as its new Speaker.

Note 1:
The President also took on executive authority, citing “necessary measures” in line with Article 80 of the Constitution. Speaker Rached Ghannouchi said that Parliament’s suspension was “unconstitutional” and “illegal”. Several MPs were subsequently arrested. In August 2021, President Saied extended the suspension of Parliament via Decree No. 2021 109. In September, the President issued Presidential Decree No. 2021-117, which concentrates all the powers of the State in the President. In December 2021, President Saied announced a roadmap for a political transition, calling a constitutional referendum on 25 July 2022 and parliamentary elections for 17 December 2022.

Note 2:
According to the final results announced by the Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE), 30.5% of some 9 million registered voters turned out at the referendum, and 94.6% of them voted to approve the new Constitution (a “yes” vote). On 17 August 2022, President Saied ratified the new Constitution, under which the government answers to the President and not to Parliament. Parliament comprises the existing Assembly of People's Representatives and a new National Council of Regions and Districts. Each regional council elects three members to the National Council, while each district council elects one member. Article 141 of the Constitution allows President Saied to continue to rule as per the September 2021 decree until the new Parliament is established.

Note 3:
A new election law released by the President in September 2022 effectively limits the influence of political parties in elections. It stipulates that, while political parties can still run in elections, candidates' applications must be submitted individually rather than as party-issued candidate lists.