progressive. A system of simple declaration replaced the system of acquisition of prior authorization. Likewise, appropriate classification of the Associations on the basis of their objectives and activities had been carried out in order to give a strong impetus to the women’s, scientific and development oriented Associations. In tandem to this, a law n° 88-32 of 3rd May 1988 relative to the organization of Political Parties had been promulgated so as to permit the founding of Political Parties on condition that certain fundamental values guiding all political activities are respected. In effect, Article 2 stipulates that « the political party acts within the framework of the Constitution and of the law: a) It should, in carrying out its activities, respect and defend notably: - the arab-muslim identity; - human rights as determined by the Constitution and the International Conventions ratified by Tunisia; - the assets of the nation and notably the Republic form of Government and its foundations, the principle of popular sovereignty as arranged by the Constitution and the principles governing Personal Status. b) It should moreover: - ban violence in all its forms as well as fanaticism, racism and all other forms of discrimination; - abstain from all activity liable to be prejudicial to national security, public law and order and to the rights and liberties of others». Article 3 adds that « a political party cannot base it fundamental principles, activities and programmes on religion, a language, a race, sex or a region ». 15. The existence of nine new recognized Political Parties reflects the political will to consolidate the pluralist democratic process and the efficiency of the legal mechanisms in place. The legal authorization accorded in March 2006 to the « Green Party for Progress » confirms the idea that the pluralist democratic process has become an irreversible national choice. This process allows all the legally constituted political bodies which are so inclined, to form a more dialectic conception of this diversity. The ideological debate in a context of consensual democracy is the only means of appealing to the intelligence of the citizens and to drawing maximum profit from the diversity of approaches and plurality of ideas. 16. The Associations contribute significantly to the promotion of intellectual and cultural life. The Political Parties work for the « training of citizens for the purpose of organizing their participation in political activities » and for representation in the various elected structures. In this manner, participative democracy becomes more dynamic and develops an ideological debate within public affairs itself based on tolerance and respect for one another and where the diversity of views and the ideological debate are not only guaranteed by the rule of law, but seen by all as a source of national wealth for global and multidimensional development. 17. The multiparty system is concretized notably in the make up of the Municipal Councils and the collection of structures and representative constitutional institutions (National Assembly, Chamber of Councillors, Economic and Social Council, Regional Councils), as was shown by the plurality of the candidatures for the presidential and legislative elections of 1999 as well as those of 2004. 18. Other measures aimed at strengthening the bases of a consensual democracy had also been implemented during the period under consideration. In this regard, Tunisia focused on achieving national reconciliation, in its broadest 8