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Tunisia's first democratic presidential election headed to runoff

Official results from Sunday's presidential elections were expected to be released within one or two days.

By JC Finley
Tunisia's interim President Mohamed Moncef Marzouki, pictured in August, will likely face off against Former Prime Minister Beji Caid Essebi in a runoff presidential elections. (UPI/Mike Theiler)
Tunisia's interim President Mohamed Moncef Marzouki, pictured in August, will likely face off against Former Prime Minister Beji Caid Essebi in a runoff presidential elections. (UPI/Mike Theiler) | License Photo

TUNIS, Tunisia, Nov. 24 (UPI) -- The next president of Tunisia will likely be determined in a runoff election, according to exit polls that showed neither of the two leading candidates secured a majority in Sunday's vote.

Former Prime Minister Beji Caid Essebi, of the secular Nidaa Tounes party, appeared to be in the lead with between 42 and 47 percent of the vote. Dissident leader and interim President Moncef Marzouki seems to have garnered between 29 and 32 percent of the vote. Twenty-five other candidates drew 10 percent or less.

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Official results were expected to be released Monday or Tuesday.

Sunday marked the North African country's first free and democratic election. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry congratulated Tunisia on the "historic moment."

"With a continued emphasis on political and social cooperation and consensus-building, Tunisia's democratic path will remain an inspiration to all those in the region and around the world who are working to build the foundation for an inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous future."

The presidential election process is expected to conclude by the end of the year.

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