Direct elections of the president are held in Tunisia

The presidential election is held on Sunday in Tunisia: for the first time after the Zhasmin Revolution, 2011 is chosen the head of the country by direct voting. 27 candidates apply for a post, more than 5 million voters will take part in the vote. Reuters notes that the compromise between secular political forces and Islamists allows us to consider the "jasmine revolution" successful, but many observers are worried that the positions of the regime of Zin Al-Abydin Ben Ali, who overthrew the revolutionaries, are strong in the current elections.

Among the main applicants are the former Prime Minister of the country of Bedzhi Caid Esesbcy, the leader of the Settlement Party of Nidaa Tunisia (Voice of Tunisia) who won the parliamentary elections; The current president of the country Montsef Marzuki; several ministers who were in the service during the reign of Zin al-Abidin Ben Ali; representative of the Left Party Hamma Hammami; Business Magnate Slim Riahi, as well as the only woman-candidate-the justice of the peace Kalthum Cannou, reports RIA Novosti .

Polling stations in most regions of the country opened at 8:00 local time (10:00 Moscow time) and close at about 18:00 if the vote is not extended. The authorities expect 5.3 million people to take part in the vote. Tens of thousands of police officers will ensure security in polling stations.

If none of the candidates receives the absolute majority of votes, the second round of elections will be held at the end of December.