Presidential Elections to be held on November 10 in Tunisia

Tunisian Electoral Commission announces date of Presidential Elections

The Tunisian Electoral commission on Wednesday, announced that it will conduct parliamentary elections on October 6 and presidential polls on November 10.

Under its 2014 constitution, Tunisia must hold legislative elections within two months of parliament’s mandate expiring — between October and early December. If a presidential candidate does not emerge winner in the first round, a second will follow within two weeks- the commission states.

The country, whose rebellion toppled dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and sparked the Arab Spring uprisings has been hailed as a model of democratization in the Arab world, but continues to suffer jihadist attacks and economic woes.

The powerful Tunisian General Labour Union confederation has staged a series of paralyzing strikes since late last year over social and economic reforms, while youth employment remains high and inflation is at 7.5 percent. The Constitutional Court, which would be crucial if election results were challenged, has not yet been formed, to the anger of civil society.

Previous polls held in 2014 brought to power Beji Caid Essebsi, the country’s first democratically elected president. These will be the third national elections since the country’s 2011 revolution.