While simplification of the procedure is to be welcomed, it is unfortunate that the draft law introduces no new measures to establish genuine monitoring of the funding of political parties. The Venice Commission has consistently recommended giving the supervisory body a number of additional powers – such as calling witnesses, seeking the assistance of other public bodies (for example, the tax authorities or anti-corruption agencies) in carrying out its tasks and to investigate possible irregularities – to give it more precise terms of reference and sufficient resources. Such measures should also be considered in Tunisia’s case. The various people with whom the rapporteurs spoke, including representatives of political parties, were convinced that irregularities in party funding (e.g. cases of foreign funding) did exist in practice but could not be clearly identified and proven. In short, it is recommended that the Court of Auditors – or another designated, independent and impartial body with sufficient resources – be given precise terms of reference, appropriate powers and a clear obligation to check the financial statements of political parties, to verify the accuracy of the information submitted, to investigate any irregularities and to be given enhanced powers to ensure co-ordination with the law enforcement agencies and other relevant bodies.