Council of Europe praises first round of Tunisian elections

PARIS, Nov 24 (KUNA) -- The Council of Europe on Monday praised the holding and good functioning of the first round of Tunisia's presidential elections on Sunday, saying it was proof of "a new step in the democratic transition" in that country.
The Council's Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) had sent eleven observers to Tunisia to monitor the elections in several locations and it praised the professionalism of the election organisers, notably the Independent Superior Body for Elections.
In a statement from PACE headquarters in Strasbourg, the Council praised "the integrity and transparency" of Sunday's first-round ballot, which will now lead to a two-candidate run-off.
"The high voter turnout in this presidential ballot demonstrated that the citizens expect the elected President to be a guarantor of the good functioning and stability of institutions and that he commits to a fruitful collaboration with the Representatives Assembly of the People and its forthcoming government to work for social and economic development in Tunisia," the Council statement said.
The PACE delegation pointed to some areas that could be improved in the electoral process in Tunisia, but overall gave a broad note of satisfaction to the way the ballots were organised and monitored internally.
The Council of Europe has 47 member states and monitors human rights and democracy and also participates in observer missions. (end) jk.mt