Beji Caid Essebsi, head of the Tunisian movement ‘Nidaa Tounes’ and the party’s presidential candidate, addresses supporters during a presidential electoral campaign rally in Monastir. (Photo: Vox)
Beji Caid Essebsi, the 88-year-old former speaker of parliament under the government of fallen dictator Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali, claimed victory in Tunisia’s first democratic presidential election. According to one unofficial poll, Essebsi enjoys a lead of 55 percent, while the secular Nida Tunis party controls the parliament.
Still, Moncef Marzouki, the other candidate in the runoff and the current interim president, has refused to concede defeat in the election. Final results will be announced later Monday.
Supporters hope and believe that Essebsi will bring the country stability, but already clashed broke out as thousands gathered to celebrate the election results in Tunis. The southern city of Hamma was filled with young critics who believe that his election is a setback for the revolution due to his affiliation with the Ben Ali regime.
The presidential runoff brings an end to four years of democratic transition in Tunisia.
