Neither of the two main candidates is likely to win an outright majority in the first free Tunisian presidential election, with a runoff likely.
Former Prime Minister Beji Caid Essebsi appears to be in front for the Dec. 28 second round, after receiving between 42% and 47% of the vote according to two private exit polls, the New York Times reports.
His opponent, interim President Moncef Marzouki, won between 29% to 32% of the vote.
Tunisia comes out of two disorderly years governed by an Islamist-led coalition, of which Marzouki’s party was a part.
The electoral commission said voting participation was 60%, reports the Associated Press. Official results are expected in the coming days.
More Must-Reads From TIME
- Bad Bunny's Next Move
- 'How Is This Still Happening?' A Survivor Questions America's Gun Violence Problem
- Nicole Chung: The Person I Became After My Father's Death
- Can Birth Control Help Solve the World's Rat Problem?
- About That Devastating Tom-Shiv Scene in Succession's Premiere
- Why Humza Yousaf's Win Is 'Historic' for Scotland
- If Donald Trump Is Indicted, Here's What Would Happen Next in the Process
- It's Time to Say a Loving Goodbye to John Wick
- Who Should Be on the 2023 TIME100? Vote Now
- Column: Ozempic Exposed the Cracks in the Body Positivity Movement
