Two independent candidates lead Tunisian presidential polls

Two independent candidates are leading the first round of Tunisia's presidential election, according to latest official results released on Monday. Presidential candidate Kais Saied topped the first round of voting, while Nabil Karoui, presidential candidate of the "Heart of Tunisia" party, came second, according to the Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE).

The general turnout in the first round of presidential election reached 45.02 percent at home and 19.7 percent abroad, said president of ISIE. According to Tunisian and foreign observers, 97 percent of the polling stations complied with the legal procedures and did not experience any offenses that could disrupt the voting process.  The final result will be announced at a press conference on Tuesday.

The voting was held on Sunday for a new head of state to succeed former President Beji Caid Essebsi, who passed away on July 25.