After the death of Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi in July, 26 candidates clash to succeed him in the elections on Sunday.
There are 26 candidates for the succession of Beji Caid Essebsi, the old president struck down by a stroke in July.
De Gaulle predicted that after him, there would not be emptiness but overflow. It is unfair. There were so many candidates last time.
But three things have changed since 2014.
The political landscape has crumbled. The only presidential party presents about ten candidates. The Islamists align three others. It's time for "why not me"? There is not too much program. All are calling for a strong state. In Tunisia too, populism is seasonal.
Second, the municipal had mobilized last year one in three voters. We no longer feel this democratic fatigue, on the contrary. We discuss unemployment, social inequalities, and less terrorism. The whole country followed the televised debates, a first in the Arab world. Tunisia continues to lead by example.
Finally, the favorite of the polls is behind bars. Presidents who reign by hiding are known. Nabil Karoui is campaigning in the dungeon. His best meeting is the hunger strike that the business started this Wednesday.
Opposite, the Islamists of Ennhada unveil for the first time their ambition. Abdelfattah Mourou has a short beard and slightly larger ideas.
The suspense is total. The results Tuesday.