The Afek Tounes Party has welcomed the announcement that the presidential elections will be held on time, stressing the need to improve the electoral climate and ensure all conditions for a fair democratic competition. "State institutions must be protected from any political conflict," the party said in a press release issued at the end of its National Council, calling for political opponents not to be excluded. The Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE) must respect all the provisions of its organic law, the party said, while expressing the wish that this national event be an opportunity to choose the programmes and projects that will develop the country. On the economic front, Afek Tounes expressed "deep concern over the deterioration of the economic indicators, in particular the near zero growth in 2023 and an unemployment rate of 16.4% due to the recession". "The current government, which has assumed full power, bears full responsibility," the party added. The party also stressed that the cu rrent regime must find the necessary solutions to boost the national economy, especially by improving the business climate, encouraging investment, implementing stalled projects and amending bureaucratic laws. "We need to introduce an attractive tax system and encourage young people to set up businesses in modern technological fields," the party said. Afek Tounes also announced the creation of the "Afek" institute for training and political supervision, which aims to promote skills in public affairs management. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse