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21:40 GMT
TUNIS, Nov 13 (KUNA) -- Tunisia's parliament on Wednesday elected Islamist Ennahda Movement leader Rashed Ghannouchi as its Speaker by a majority of 123 votes out of 217.
There were four contesting candidates for the post, namely Ghazi Chaouachi, Democratic Movement party, who came second with 45 votes, Abir Moussa, Free Constitutional Party, with 21 votes and Marouane Felfal, Long Live Tunisia, with 18 votes, in addition to Ghannouchi.
Speaking in a press statement after being elected, Ghannouchi said the parliament is the center of authority in Tunisia, so Ennahda concentrated its efforts to with this institution, as it is a source of legislation and policy.
In reply to a question on negotiations on forming the next government, he stressed that the executive board of Ennahda will convene within hours to name its candidate for forming the government.
Enahada was ranked first in the recent legislative poll with 52 seats, followed by the Heart of Tunisia with 38 seats, the Democratic Current with 22 and finally the Dignity Coalition with 21. (end)
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