The independent regional body for the elections (IRIE) of Mahdia announced the launch, from Monday, August 25, 2025, of the campaign to withdraw the mandate targeting an elected representative of the district of El Guassem-Ouest (chorbane delegation). This procedure, a first in Tunisia, follows the validation by the isie of a petition initiated by the voters. The decisive vote is scheduled for September 28.
Last July, the president of ISIE, Farouk Bouasker, confirmed that the Council of the body had validated for the first time a petition requesting the revocation of a member of a local council elected, in this case in the Chorbane delegation (Mahdia governorate).
A first revocation procedure in Tunisia
This unprecedented approach is part of the new account surrender mechanisms established by the institutional reform. The petition had been initiated by a tenth of the constituency voters, in accordance with the law, and filed after a year in mandate. The isie had verified legal compliance, the validity of signatures and compliance with procedures before approving the file unanimously.
Terms of participation in the campaign
The IRIE of Mahdia said that requests for participation in the campaign will be received from Monday August 25 at 8 a.m. until Sunday August 31 at the regional headquarters, located on avenue de Carthage in Mahdia.
Two official forms were put online: a declaration of participation in the voting campaign for the withdrawal of the mandate and a declaration on the honor filled by the legal representative of the participant party. Signatures must be legalized before their deposit.
A popular vote set for September 28
Voters in the district of El Guassem-Ouest will be called to the polls on Sunday, September 28, 2025 to decide by “yes” or “no” on the revocation of the elected official.
If the absolute majority of registered voters (50% plus one) vote in favor of the petition, the mandate will be canceled and a by -election will be organized to provide the vacant seat. Otherwise, the elected official will retain his mandate until his end, without the possibility of new revocation.
An institutional turning point
The President of the ISIA has described this mechanism as a revocation of “major legal and constitutional turning point”, believing that it is a test to measure the effectiveness of popular control instruments by the ballot boxes. For Mahdia, this campaign promises to be an unprecedented political moment, where voters will have for the first time in Tunisia the opportunity to withdraw their trust in a local elected official.
