A prominent member of the Tunisian opposition, Chebbi has long advocated for a transparent political process, good governance and sustainable economic growth. In 1983, he founded the PDP, known until 2001 as the Progressive Socialist Rally (RSP). A lawyer by training, Chebbi led a vigorous campaign to prevent President Ben Ali from seeking his fourth term in 2004.

He was also instrumental in founding the October 18 Movement, which unites diverse members of the opposition to demand respect for freedom of expression and speech, as well as the release of imprisoned journalists and politicians from the opposition. After passing on leadership of the party to current Secretary General Maya Jribi in 2006, Chebbi still remains a

prominent member of the PDP and heads the party"s Al Mawkif newspaper. He announced his candidacy for president last August despite being officially barred from participating in the election under a revised electoral law requiring presidential candidates to be the elected secretary general of a recognized party.