Tunisia president to seek re-election
"I have applied [for the polls] to defend national independence, rights and economic and social freedom," Marzouki told reporters.
By Yousri Wannas
TUNIS
Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki said Saturday he will seek re-election during the country's upcoming presidential election slated for November 23.
"I have applied [for the polls] to defend national independence, rights and economic and social freedom," Marzouki told reporters.
"I trust the intelligence of the Tunisian people to know who is able to serve," he added.
Marzouki was elected Tunisia's president in 2011 following a popular revolution that ended the autocracy of President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali.
In August, Tunisia's Congress for the Republic Party said it would support Marzouki, who also serves as honorary party chairman, in the upcoming elections.
Presidential hopefuls have until September 22 to present their candidacy applications to Tunisia's electoral commission.
Several political figures have already registered since the electoral commission began accepting applications on September 8.
These include Mustapha Ben Jafar, who leads Tunisia's elected Constituent Assembly; Mohamed Hechmi Hamdi, a senior member of Tunisia's Republican Party; and veteran politician Beji Caid el Sebsi, head of the Tunisian Call Party.
Tunisia is also expected to hold parliamentary elections on October 26, according to a law approved recently by the Constituent Assembly.
The second round of presidential polls is also expected to be held before the end of the year, following the announcement of first-round results.
There are 190 political parties in Tunisia, most of which emerged following the 2011 uprising that ended the rule of longtime autocrat Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali.
englishnews@aa.com.tr
