Radio Netherlands Worldwide and the Free University have launched a 'Vote Compass' in Tunisia. The voting guide will be introduced in Egypt and Morocco in October.
The Vote Compass in both French and Arabic enables voters to compare their own opinions with those of the political parties in the new democracies. The internet tool was developed in the Netherlands and is now being used in 34 countries, including Turkey and Canada. Tunisian political experts have developed the version for Tunisian voters.
Voters are asked a number of multiple choice questions. Their answers are compared to the manifestos of the political parties. The web application analyses which political party best represents the voter's political preference.
Editor-in-chief Rik Rensen of Radio Netherlands Worldwide explains:
“The cooperation fits in perfectly with our activities focused on freedom of speech. Imagine whole generations in countries like Tunisia and Egypt who have grown up under dictatorial governments. For them freedom of political choice is a new and complex concept. It is an important task of Radio Netherlands Worldwide to give people, especially in those countries, reliable information about their political situation, in their own language. And thereby help them to make their own decisions.”
The Dutch embassy in Tunisia supports the project. Media partners Radio Mosaique FM, Nessma TV, Kalima and France24 will attend the presentation of the web application. The elections in Tunisia are due to be held on 23 October.
(nc)
© Radio Netherlands Worldwide
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