In a highly controversial debate, Munathara’s #DD8 asked: Should Tunisia separate religion and the state? Broadcast live on Al Jazeera Mubasher, the debate became the subject of wide national attention in the Tunisian public sphere, setting the agenda for the country’s discourse on a key sticking point of the constitution drafting process.

The two opinion leaders chosen for #DD8 could not have been more different: Bachir Ben Hassan, a prominent Salafist, argued against the separation of religion in the new Tunisian republic, while Youssef Seddik, a philosopher and scholar of the Islamic faith, presented his secular vision for Tunisia. They were joined by Ahmed Ben Hassine and Mayssa Lajmi, the young winners of Musabaqat Munathara #DD8. Moderated by Amina Ben Doua, the debate for several days inspired discussions in national media, with several leading television and radio stations inviting Ben Hassan and Seddik to discuss the matter further.

هل يجب على تونس فصل الدين عن الدولة؟ الأمر الذي أثار الجدل في الشارع التونسي لوضع الأجندة الوطنية حول موضوع مفصلي

تصويت الجمهور في بداية الحلقة: 71% مع الأطروحة - 29% ضد الأطروحة

انتهت الحلقة بفوز الفريق المعارض للأطروحة حيث كانت نتيجة التصويت النهائي: 64% مع الأطروحة - 36% ضد الأطروحة