Tunisian presidential election to take place on September 15

Tunisia will hold a presidential election on Sept. 15, the Independent Electoral Commission said on Thursday, following the death of President Beji Caid Essebsi.

Parliament Speaker Mohammed Ennaceur, who was sworn in as interim president on Thursday after Essebsi’ sudden death, has 90 days to organise a presidential election under the country’s constitution.

The announcement came amid a debate over the conditions for standing in the elections, which were amended in June but were never approved or rejected by Essebsi.

The new code would bar several strong candidates from the poll, including media magnate Nabil Karoui, charged with money laundering this month, after he stated his intention to stand.

Tunisia, the birthplace of the Arab Spring revolts, is the only country affected by the uprisings to have pushed through democratic reforms – despite political unrest, a sluggish economy and violent attacks.

Via Al Jazeera / Reuters