Tunisia’s Ennahda to back Saied in presidential run-off

TUNIS

Tunisia’s Ennahda movement will back former law professor Kais Saied in a presidential election run-off, according to a leading member on Tuesday.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Abdellatif Mekki said the majority of members of the Shura Council, the movement’s highest authority, have decided to support Saied in the run-off during a meeting held late Monday.

Saied came first with 18.4% of votes in the first round of polls last week, followed by jailed media mogul Nabil Karoui with 15.6% of votes.

The election run-off is expected to be held next month.

The vote was held following the death this July of Beji Caid Essebsi, Tunisia’s first freely elected president.

*Ahmed Asmar contributed to this report from Ankara