TUNIS
By Karima Daghrach
Tunisia's political leaders have cast their ballot in the parliamentary polls which are expected to produce the first democratically-elected legislature in the North African country's history.
President Moncef Marzouki arrived at a polling station in the touristic resort of Al-Kantaoui where he was received by angry chants from other voters, calling on him to "leave!"
Marzouki responded with flashing the V-sign (for victory) as he entered into the polling station. He made the same sign as he left, an Anadolu Agency correspondent reported.
Meanwhile, leader of Islamist Ennahda movement Rachid Ghannouchi cast his ballot in Ben Arous province. Ennahda secretary-general Ali Laarayedh also voted in Le Bardo district in the capital Tunis.
Elsewhere, leader of the secular Call of Tunisia party Beji Caid al-Sebsi voted in the northeastern Ariana province.
Speaking to reporters after casting his ballot, al-Sebsi voiced hope the elections would take Tunisia to a "safe stage."
He also called on Tunisians to flock in numbers to cast their ballots to "show the world that Tunisia is on the right track."
Observers expect a heated race in the elections among Tunisia's political parties, but most of them agreed that the competition is to be limited to Islamist Ennahda Movement and secular Call of Tunisia.
More than 5 million Tunisians are eligible to go to the polling stations across the country to select 217 members of the new parliament.
In 2011, the Islamist Ennahda movement won 41 percent (89 seats) of the country's 217-seat Constituent Assembly.
www.aa.com.tr/en
