Second round of presidential election kicks off in Tunisia

The contest on Sunday is between Nabil Karoui, a 54-year-old television mogul, and Kais Saied, 62, a conservative lawyer and professor.

Both candidates are political newcomers considered to be outsiders by the political establishment.

Karoui, a charismatic, self-made businessman, faces charges of tax evasion and money laundering. He was released from detention on Wednesday after spending most of the election campaign behind bars.

Tunisian presidential candidate freed from jailTunisia’s presidential candidate Nabil Karoui is released from prison and given a hero’s welcome by supporters, four days ahead of a runoff election.

Karoui denies all accusations of wrongdoing.

He has been nicknamed “Nabil Macaroni” because his party distributes money and food among impoverished groups in the society.

Saied, for his part, spent almost no money on his campaign and is regarded by his supporters as a humble man of principle.

Detractors dubbed him “Robocop” due to his law-enforcing persona.

Saied, who advocates a kind of conservative socialism, has the support of Tunisia’s moderate Ennahda Party.

In the first round of the presidential election, in September, Saied took 18.4% of the votes, and Karoui 15.6%. A low turnout and a rejection of established politicians and parties in the election has revealed dissatisfaction with Tunisian politics.

Meanwhile, Tunisia is facing chronic unemployment, high inflation, and a budget deficit.