New Tunisia electoral law reduces parties' influence
Over a year ago, President Saied disbanded the legislature and began to rule primarily by decree.
Boakyewaa Lawrencia 
The new electoral law introduced by Tunisian President Kais Saied lessens the impact of political parties on elections.
People will now cast their votes for specific candidates rather than party lists, as in past elections.
Before legislative elections on December 17, the law has been rejected by Tunisia's major parties.
Mr. Saied downplayed worries that political parties were being left out and claimed that the new law enabled the people to exercise "effective sovereignty."
According to him, if there is exclusion, the populace will express it on election day, according to the state news agency TAP.
Over a year ago, President Saied disbanded the legislature and began to rule primarily by decree.
A new Tunisian constitution giving the president broad powers was ratified in July in a referendum with low voter turnout, the results of which the opposition said were invalid.
