#TUNISIA: Ennahda Becomes Largest Pty After Lawmakers Resign

[world politics news]

Tunisia's Islamic Ennahda Party became the biggest party in parliament on Monday after more lawmakers in President Beji Caid Essebsi's party resigned over the role of his son, saying they feared a return of hereditary transfers of power. The rift poses no immediate threat to the coalition government, which includes Ennahda, but comes at a delicate time as the North African state struggles to contain militant violence and revive economic growth.

#TUNISIA: Pres. Declares State Of Emergency In Wake of Beach Massacre; Assumes More Powers, Limits Assembly Rights

[world politics news]

Pres. Beji Caid Essebsi declared a state of emergency Saturday to give his government more powers following an Islamic militant attack on a beach hotel, in which 38 foreign tourists, including 30 Britons were killed. The state of emergency gives security forces more powers and limits the right to public assembly.

#TUNISIA: In Free Elections, Tunisia Elects 88-Year-Old Moderate Beji Caid Essebsi President

[world politics news]

Veteran politician Beji Caid Essebsi has been confirmed as winner of Tunisia's first free presidential election. He secured 55.68% of the vote in Sunday's run-off, defeating Pres. Moncef Marzouki (44.32%.) Essebsi, 88, has urged all Tunisians to "work together" for stability.

#TUNISIA: Secularist Essebsi Wins Second Round of Pres. Elections

[world politics news]

Tunisian secularist Beji Caid Essebsi beat incumbent President Moncef Marzouki in the first round of the country's presidential election, but a December run-off is needed since Essebsi received less than a majority, 39.46% of the vote. Marzouki got 33.4%. The nation's Islamist party sat out the presidential election.