CGTN America
Tunisian rapper Ahmed Laabidi, known by his alias Kafon, performs during a campaign rally in Tunis for presidential candidate and leader of the Free Patriotic Union (UPL), Slim Riahi, on November 21, 2014, two days ahead of the presidential election. The presidential election is expected to be won by Nidaa Tounes leader Beji Caid Essebsi, whose party will have to form a coalition government as it fell short of an absolute majority. (AFP PHOTO: FADEL SENNA)
Voters in Tunisia will head to the polls to elect the next president — the first democratic poll since the revolution four years ago.
Sunday’s vote was considered a milestone. Although some unrest has taken place since the mass uprising in 2011, Tunisia has managed to avoid the worst of the fallout.
CCTV America’s Yasmine Ryan had the report from Tunisia.
Tensions mounted in the final days of campaigning, and the campaign trail had been marred by security fears. At least two of the candidates have received death threats. However, most Tunisians were positive about the opportunity to finally chose their leader.
After decades of having only one real choice for their president, Tunisians will for the first time in their history get an opportunity to exercise their right to make a choice. There are 27 candidates vying for the presidency, five of whom stand a strong chance.
Prof. William Lawrence explains the significance of Tunisia’s presidential election
CCTV America interviewed William Lawrence for more on the first Tunisian, democratic presidential vote since the country’s revolution. Lawrence is a political analyst and professor at George Washington University’s Elliott School for International Affairs.
