Tunisia hopeful that landmark polls could bring stability

Tunisia has come through the Arab Spring better than other Arab countries, but now elections with an uncertain outcome lie ahead as the country seeks to find a path between chaos and dictatorship.

Numbered grid patterns are painted on walls all over Tunisia, inviting political parties contesting Sunday’s parliamentary elections to stick up their posters.

Some of the posters have been torn down, but many of the grids remain empty. Foreign observers may see the pending elections – a presidential poll is set for the end of November – as another major step toward democracy, but many Tunisians remain sceptical.

“There is a great deal of insecurity. Many still do not know whom they intend to vote for,” says Michael Ayari, an analyst from the International Crisis Group which offers political consultancy in regions of conflict.

 The Islamist Ennahda and the secular Nidaa Tounes are thought to have the most support. But there is increasing concern at the possibility of a low turnout from the electorate of five million.

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