Continental Focus, International Reach

Chahed to Run for President

Thursday, August 1, 2019

Tunisia’s liberal prime minister, Youssef Chahed will be a candidate for president in the country’s next election, expected to take place on September 15 following, the death of President Beji Caid Essebi last week. The news of Chahed’s plans came from his Tahaya Tounes party on July 31.

Essebsi was buried at a state funeral on July 27. He was the leader who helped bring about Tunisia’s transition to democracy after the Arab Spring. He died at age 92.

Following his death, the speaker of parliament, Mohamed Ennaceur, was sworn in as interim president to lead the country to a new election.

Slim Azzabi, secretary-general of the Tahya Tounes party, said it would nominate Chahed as its presidential candidate. The party is Tunisia’s largest liberal group and governs in coalition with the moderate Islamist Ennahda Party and a smaller liberal group.

The presidential election was due was due to be held in November but will now be held in September due to Essebsi’s death.


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