Moderate Islamist party wins the election

Moderate Islamist party wins the election in Tunisia (Africa). The EU observer charge gave elections in Tunisia a clean bill of health.

Tunisia's moderate Islamist party, Ennahda, is claiming victory in Sunday's elections, the first free poll of the Arab Spring.

Official results are expected on Tuesday, but provisional results suggest that Ennahda will win most votes while falling short of a majority. Its main rival, the secular centre-left PDP party, has admitted defeat. International observers praised the conduct of the vote as free and fair.

Former President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali was overthrown nine months ago after mass demonstrations - he had been in power for 23 years. However, unlike its eastern neighbor Libya, Tunisia's transition from authoritarian rule has been largely peaceful.

Full Story