Can Tunisia’s security be politicised?

In regard to the passing of an amendment to the law that now permits military and security
members to vote in local and municipal elections, Habib Al-Mubaraki says: “Tunisians
expressed huge reservations towards this new law that will get the security forces involved in
the political chaos, starting with local elections and ultimately reaching the presidential ones.
Why this exact timing? Why did the governing alliance, especially the Ennahda Movement,
retract its former commitment to the neutrality of the military and security institutions as
regards political affairs? Do they realise the truth behind this decision? Will they be responsible
for its fallout and the challenges it will create for Tunisians? With this escalating fear it’s hard to
speculate on the repercussions of this bold resolution. It might lead to the partition of the
security institutions in Tunisia at a time when unity is most needed. The subsequent post-
January 14th revolution events are evidence of the policies employed to separate Tunisians and
distract them from the burning political issues,” added Al-Mubaraki. Tunisia gave its military
and security institutions the task to restore the people’s trust, especially in regards to putting an
end to terrorist attacks and dismantling active cells. However, analysts of security affairs believe
this trust has now been endangered. Political activists and decision makers should deliberate the
matter further and learn from other countries’ experiences.