Early signs for the return to the republican system

The re-establishment of the republican system was preceded by early signs which manifested themselves, especially in the mid-19th century, in the thinking of the pioneers of the reformist movement such as Ahmed Ibn Abi Dhiaf (1802-1874) and Mohamed Bayram V (1840-1889).

Reform of the system of government in the 19th century :

• Promulgation of the « Fundamental Pact », the first declaration of human rights in Tunisia, on September 10, 1857, in the era of Mohamed Bey.
• Promulgation of the first constitution in the Arab and Islamic countries establishing the constitutional monarchy, on January 29, 1861, in the era of Sadok Bey.
Main provisions of the 1861 Constitution :
• Guaranteeing the commitments provided for in the « Fundamental Pact ».
• Separation between the executive, legislative and judicial powers.
• Establishment of the Grand Council, composed of 60 members, for a five-year term. The Council held the legislative power and attended to the application of the provisions of the Constitution.
• Establishing a network of courts of justice.

In 1864, Sadok Bey cancelled the 1861 Constitution, with the eruption of the Ali Ben Ghedhahem revolt.

Reforms by Khaïreddine Tounsi (1873-1879) :

- The reference underlying these reforms was Khaïreddine’s book, «Aqwam Al Massalik Fi Maârifati Ahwal Al Mamalik» (The Surest Path to Know the State of Countries) (1867).

Main orientations of reforms :

• Adopting governmental experiences of European monarchies.
• Involving prominent figures and influential personalities in the system of government.
• Reviving the institutions that had been established by the Fundamental Pact and consecrated by the 1861 Constitution.
• Setting up new political organizations, for civilizational and socio-developmental purposes.

Among the major reforms of Khaïreddine :

• Organizing ministerial departments and reforming the administrative apparatus.
• Taking measures to put an end to abuses by the regional authority.
• Reforming the judiciary and Shari’a tribunals.
• Founding the Sadiki School (January 13, 1875), for the purpose of teaching modern sciences and enhancing the country’s progress.

The Movement of Tunisian youth :

Calling for a popular representation and establishing constitutional structures underlying the system of government (1907-1912).

Origins of the Movement :

• Creation of «Al Hadhira» newspaper (August 2, 1888).
• Creation of «Al Khaldouniya» association (December 22, 1896).
• Creation of the «Sadiki Alumni» association (December 23, 1905).
• Creation of «Le Tunisien» newspaper (February 7, 1907).

Among the Movement’s claims :

• Reviving the 1861 Constitution.
• Involving Tunisians in public life.
• Defending the Tunisian identity.
• Allowing Tunisians’ access to modern culture.

Mohamed Bach Hamba, member of the Movement of Tunisian Youth, sent, from his exile in Berlin, a letter, dated January 31, 1920, to Abdelaziz Thaâlbi, in which he claimed the abolition of the monarchical system.