Moderate Islamists lead as Tunisia poll verified

TUNISIAN authorities yesterday counted votes in the first free election in the nation’s history, with early signs that a once-banned Islamist party is leading in the country that unleashed the Arab Spring.

Radio Mosaique posted results from polling stations around the country, with many showing a commanding lead for the moderate Islamist party Ennahda. An Ennahda win in a comparatively secular society such as Tunisia could have wide implications for similar parties across North Africa.

Election commission head Kamel Jendoubi said that official results would be released later today.