Why is Tunisia’s new proposed constitution so controversial?

Tunisians vote in a referendum on a draft constitution put forward by the country's president, at a polling station in Ariana district near the capital, on July 25, 2022 [Fethi Belaid/AFP]

Tunis, Tunisia – Tunisians are voting in a referendum on Monday to decide on whether to adopt a new constitution President Kais Saied has pushed for, which, if adopted, will change the country from its current hybrid parliamentary democracy to one giving the president sweeping powers.

Saied’s supporters believe that his new constitution will simplify the system of government and diminish the political chaos of the last year.