Zine El Abidine Ben Ali Biography

Zine El Abidine Ben Ali became prime minister of Tunisia.

Zine El Abidine Ben Ali assumed the presidency after Habib Bourguiba was declared medically unfit.

Announces democratic changes to Tunisias constitution

Diplomatic relations with Libya are restored

A constitutional amendment revised presidential succession and removed the presidency-for-life provision.

Political and social organizations signed a National Pact setting principles for public life.

The Government party, RCD, winsa all the Assembly seats in the general election

Tunisia held a legislative election in which the governing Constitutional Democratic Rally won every seat.

Zine El Abidine Ben Ali was elected president in the first presidential election after the 1987 transition.

Opposes US action during the Gulf War

The Government party, RCD, wins the general election

Appointed President of Tunisia, 2nd term

Tunisia held legislative elections that introduced a limited allocation of seats to opposition parties.

Zine El Abidine Ben Ali was re-elected president without an opposing candidate.

Tunisia held legislative elections alongside the presidential election.

Zine El Abidine Ben Ali won a presidential election contested by more than one candidate.

Voters approved constitutional changes affecting presidential terms and the structure of parliament.

Tunisia held legislative elections in which the governing party retained a large majority.

Zine El Abidine Ben Ali won another presidential term.

Tunisia held legislative elections alongside the presidential vote.

Zine El Abidine Ben Ali won a fifth presidential term.

Zine El Abidine Ben Ali left Tunisia as protests ended his presidency.