WASHINGTON
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry lauded Tunisia’s Sunday presidential election, hailing the polls as a “historic moment.”
A total of 27 candidates, including a woman, are vying to win Tunisia's top post.
The presidency was kept for 24 years by former ruler Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, before a popular uprising toppled his regime in 2011.
"This historic moment has come about due to the strong commitment by Tunisians from across the political spectrum to democracy and the rule of law," Kerry said in a statement. “We look forward to the successful conclusion of Tunisia’s presidential election process by the end of this year and are committed to working with the democratically-elected government that will lead the country in the years ahead."
America’s top diplomat pledged continued U.S. support for the country’s democratic transition, including economic and security assistance.
Polling stations across the country closed at 19:00 GMT, bringing an end to voting in the country's first presidential elections since 2011.
Until 15:30 GMT, nearly 53.7 percent of voters had cast their ballots to select a new president, according to Chafiq Sarsar, the head of Tunisia's election commission.
He told a press conference that 27 percent of registered voters outside Tunisia had also voted during the same period.
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