Tunisians protest against referendum for controversial new constitution

Supporters of Tunisia's Free Constitutional Party scuffle with police as they attempt to reach the headquarters of the Independent High Authority for Elections, during a protest against the upcoming referendum on a new constitution, in Tunis, Tunisia July 7, 2022. REUTERS/Jihed Abidellaoui

TUNIS (Reuters) - Tunisian police blocked hundreds of demonstrators from reaching electoral commission offices on Thursday as protesters took to the streets against a referendum on a new constitution that would expand the president's executive powers.

President Kais Saied proposed the new constitution this month that would limit the role of parliament and boost his own rule. The constitution will be put to a referendum on July 25 in a vote most political parties have already rejected.