The bitter criticism leveled against Beji Caid Sebsi by political opponents for serving in the two former regimes— Habib Bourguiba and Ben Ali — have not had much of an effect on the senior politician.  To those who ridicule his age—87 years old— Sebsi merely responds by saying that life and death are matters of fate.

Sebsi, who was appointed Prime Minister on February 27, 2011 amid a severe political, social and security crisis, leaving the state in chaos and violence, was able to set things right and revive Tunisians’ long-lost hope.

The bitter criticism leveled against Beji Caid Sebsi by political opponents for serving in the two former regimes— Habib Bourguiba and Ben Ali — have not had much of an effect on the senior politician.  To those who ridicule his age—87 years old— Sebsi merely responds by saying that life and death are matters of fate.

Sebsi, who was appointed Prime Minister on February 27, 2011 amid a severe political, social and security crisis, leaving the state in chaos and violence, was able to set things right and revive Tunisians’ long-lost hope.

According to his opponents, such as Ennahda leader Rashid Ghannouchi, Sebsi has succeeded in putting the democratic process on its right path by holding the first general, transparent and fair elections and handing power to the new government in a historic ceremony on December  13, 2011.

Today, Sebsi enjoys widespread popularity according to the latest polls. Many Tunisians consider him a moderate man who believes in dialogue and rejects extremism. However, he has had slips of the tongue, which he could hardly overcome, such as describing some security officers as monkeys or describing his opponents as “fools.”

Barely a few weeks after leaving the government, Sebsi announced the establishment of Call for Tunisia Party that would later include inheritors of the ideology of Bourguiba – the first president of independent Tunisia – in addition to leftists, liberals and members of the Constitutional Democratic Rally (RCD) – Ben Ali’s party.

Neutral analysts have been baffled by Sebsi’s popularity among women and young people since he has somehow managed to overcome the age obstacle with a brand of charisma his opponents lack. He is not only a tactful speaker who mixes classical Arabic with Tunisian slang, but also a well-kempt individual who takes great care of his appearance and shape. This is why he still dominates the opinion polls that would always place him on top if elections were to be held now.

By announcing his intention to run for the upcoming elections, Sebsi has managed to confuse his political opponents who are attempting to thwart his efforts by passing the Revolution Fortification Bill in the Constituent Assembly to exclude him from running for serving under Ben Ali as well as by including clauses within the new constitution to set the maximum age for presidential candidates at 75 years of age.

Sebsi however has decided to go ahead despite his full awareness of their schemes, knowing that the Revolution Fortification Bill would embarrass his rivals, particularly the parties to which RCD members have joined. Besides, this law would also corner the parties voting for it since they will be accused of exercising collective punishment previously attributed to the most notorious fascist regimes such as the German Nazi’s against Jews or South Africa’s apartheid policies against blacks.

As for age limit, the countries that have adopted this option are stigmatized for being far from democratic.

Having practiced law for many years, Sebsi has succeeded in submitting a plea that is more like a maneuver analysts are still trying to decode.