Tunisia's veteran president seeks re-election

BALANCE OF POWER

But opponents and human rights activists argue his re-election would make him a de facto president-for-life, like his predecessor, Bourguiba, who once declared himself such.

Ben Ali indirectly dismissed these concerns.

"Regarding what is said from time to time concerning alternation in power, I would like to recall that this issue is already settled by the constitution," he said. "On our part, we believe in this fundamental principle of our republican system," he said, referring to the 2002 referendum.

Ben Ali on Wednesday promised to promote stronger economic growth, extend human rights and multi-party democracy and foster the role of women in society and politics.

Multi-party politics began in the early 1980s and the government says it has started granting legal opposition groups financial support to boost democracy.

The RCD dominates the legislature, as by law 80 percent of the seats in the 189-seat assembly are reserved for the ruling party. The remainder are contested by six opposition parties.

"Ben Ali will run in the election and win, as there is no (other) candidate able to change the balance of power," said political analyst Salah Jourchi.

"But the question is, would this declaration be an outlet to purify the political atmosphere by releasing political prisoners, improving freedom and reviewing suspended files, such as the Human Rights League problem."