Tunisians pick from varied line-up in unpredictable presidential vote

TUNIS - Tunisians lined up to choose from a diverse field of candidates on Sunday, in an unpredictable election for a new president at a time of economic pain in the young democracy.

Tunisia threw off autocratic rule eight years ago in a revolution that inspired “Arab Spring” revolts in Egypt, Yemen, Bahrain, Libya and Syria, but it alone has enjoyed a peaceful transition to democracy. Kholoud Alwi, 27, said none of the candidates had convinced her. “But I have to vote. It’s important for the country,” she said.

“Since the election we’ve been getting promises and nothing is done on the ground, so why vote? The elections will end and the promises will be dropped as soon as they get into the office like in past elections,” he said. Prime Minister Youssef Chahed, as well as two former prime ministers, a former president and the defence minister, are also standing. Two of the 26 candidates have withdrawn in recent days to support a rival, though their names still appear on the ballots.With so many in the race, Sunday’s vote could produce a very close outcome, with few votes separating the two candidates who make the second-round run-off, due by 13 October from the others.

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