Tunisia has given its verdict in the first round of voting in the second free presidential elections since the Arab Spring protests in 2011. Kais Saied and Media mogul, Nabil Koroui, are the front runners in the first round of the elections.
The elections were forced after the death of the 92-year-old Beji Caid Essebsi who was serving as the President of Tunisia.
At least 24 candidates had filed their nominations to run for the president including the Prime Minister Youssef Chahed, Abdelfattah Mourou, and Defence Minister Abdelkarim Zbidi.
The governments have been facing difficulty to curb the high unemployment rate as well as the failing standard of living. This created a lot of unpopularity for Youssef Chahed.
Kais Saied, a constitutional lawyer, ran for the presidency by campaigning door to door and meeting the people directly. While Koroui, who is in jail following allegations of money laundering had used his network channel to help launch high profile charity campaigns.
Saied, a conservative has often come out speaking against the legalization of homosexuality, defended the death penalty and sexual assault law that punishes unmarried couples who are involved in the public display of affection. Koroui, a populist who has a flamboyant personality, has kept a high profile. Even when in detention Koroui, had accused the political establishment of targetting him. a charge which the government denies.
The official results are yet to come. As per an article in Reuters, 52 percent of the votes have been counted which has Saied in the lead with 18.7%, Karoui with 15.5 percent and moderate Abdelfattah Mourou was on 13.1 percent.
Prime Minister Youssef Chahed had conceded the race and accepted the mandate of the people.
The date for the second round of the elections is yet to be determined. It can be speculated that it might be held as soon as 6th October alongside the legislative elections or by the 23rd of October.
(Inputs from agencies)