Conservative academic Kais Saied, a political outsider, was headed for a landslide victory in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/media-mogul-academic-face-off-as-tunisians-choose-president-255611">Tunisia's presidential runoff</a>, sweeping aside his rival, media magnate Nabil Karoui, exit polls said.

In a contest that reflected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/outsiders-battle-political-elite-as-tunisia-votes-254065">Tunisia</a>'s shifting post-revolution political landscape, Saied, an independent, scooped 72.5 per cent of the vote according to the Emrhod exit poll on Sunday, and 76.9 per cent in the Sigma one -- over 40 points ahead of Karoui.

Thousands of people took to the streets of the capital Tunis to celebrate Saied's victory, honking horns and singing the national anthem.

"It's a historic day: Tunisia is reaping the fruits of the revolution," said Boussairi Abidi, a 39-year-old mechanic. "Kais Saied is going to put an end to corruption, he will be a fair <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tunisias-ex-president-zine-el-abidine-ben-ali-dies-in-exile-250697">president</a>."

The official results are expected Monday.

In his first reaction, Saied thanked the country's young people "for turning a new page", and vowed to try to build "a new Tunisia".

Around 90 per cent of 18- to 25-year-olds voted for Saied, according to estimates by the Sigma polling institute, compared with 49.2 per cent of voters over 60.

"Kais Saied, voice of the people," a gathered crowd chanted. "Long live Tunisia!"

"We are very happy. Tunisia has an honest man at the helm now. The difference between the two candidates was the work he has been doing," said Mustafa El Ghali, a family member.

The runoff was contested by two political newcomers -- pitting Saied, nicknamed "Robocop", against businessman, Karoui, who is dubbed Tunisia's "Berlusconi".

They trounced the old guard in a September 15 first round, highlighting voter anger over a stagnant economy, joblessness and poor public services in the cradle of the Arab Spring.

Adding controversy and suspense to the contest, Karoui only walked free from jail on Wednesday, having spent more than a month behind bars on suspicion of money-laundering.

The poll, Tunisia's second free presidential election since its 2011 revolt, followed the death of president Beji Caid Essebsi in July. Turnout was higher than in the first round, and estimated at around 57 per cent.

'Peaceful transition'

In one polling station, voters said they were divided between "the one who will apply the law" and the one "who helps the poor", referring to a charity television show that boosted Karoui's popularity.

The 56-year-old tycoon Karoui portrayed himself as a bulwark against political Islam, which he accused his rival of supporting.

He called the result a "denial of justice", saying he had been penalised by his incarceration.

"It's like competing in the Olympics and one breaks one's knee before doing the 100 meters," he said.

Saied, a 61-year-old constitutional law expert, campaigned on the values of the 2011 revolution, based on opposition to Westernised and corrupt elites, and in favour of radical decentralisation.

"You have created a new concept of revolution, let your conscience guide you," he said, casting his ballot.

"Congratulations to Tunisia; less for whom they voted, and more for showing a continued commitment to resolving differences via peaceful transitions," said H.A. Hellyer, a senior fellow at the Royal United Services Institute in London, in a tweet.

For what was the third election in four weeks, some Tunisians organised car-sharing and free transport for students who had to travel far to their hometowns to cast their ballots.

"I am doing it out of love for my country. I support the one who embodies hope for Tunisia," said taxi driver Bakri who offered free rides to Saied supporters between Tunis and the coastal city of Nabeul.

The Islamist-inspired Ennahdha party, which won the most seats in parliament in general elections earlier this month, had called on supporters to back Saied.

But the runoff outcome had remained uncertain, with a ban on opinion polls.

Saied topped the first round with 18.4 per cent of votes, while Karoui followed with 15.6 per cent.

Sharp contrast

While the candidates were both seen as anti-establishment figures, the contrast between them was sharp, with Saied earning his nickname for his rigid and austere manner.

A social conservative, he has defended the death penalty, criminalisation of homosexuality and a sexual assault law that punishes unmarried couples who engage in public displays of affection.

Karoui presented himself as a candidate for the poor whose appeal stemmed largely from his media empire and philanthropic activity.

Karoui, who always appeared in designer suits, has dismissed the allegations against him as politically motivated.

Conservative academic Kais Saied, a political outsider, was headed for a landslide victory in Tunisia's presidential runoff, sweeping aside his rival, media magnate Nabil Karoui, exit polls said.

Conservative academic Kais Saied, a political outsider, was headed for a landslide victory in Tunisia's presidential runoff, sweeping aside his rival, media magnate Nabil Karoui, exit polls said. In a contest that reflected Tunisia's shifting post-revolution political landscape, Saied, an independent, scooped 72.5 per cent of the vote according to the Emrhod exit poll on Sunday, and 76.9 per cent in the Sigma one -- over 40 points ahead of Karoui. Thousands of people took to the streets of the capital Tunis to celebrate Saied's victory, honking horns and singing the national anthem. "It's a historic day: Tunisia is reaping the fruits of the revolution," said Boussairi Abidi, a 39-year-old mechanic. "Kais Saied is going to put an end to corruption, he will be a fair president." The official results are expected Monday. In his first reaction, Saied thanked the country's young people "for turning a new page", and vowed to try to build "a new Tunisia". Around 90 per cent of 18- to 25-year-olds voted for Saied, according to estimates by the Sigma polling institute, compared with 49.2 per cent of voters over 60. "Kais Saied, voice of the people," a gathered crowd chanted. "Long live Tunisia!" "We are very happy. Tunisia has an honest man at the helm now. The difference between the two candidates was the work he has been doing," said Mustafa El Ghali, a family member. The runoff was contested by two political newcomers -- pitting Saied, nicknamed "Robocop", against businessman, Karoui, who is dubbed Tunisia's "Berlusconi". They trounced the old guard in a September 15 first round, highlighting voter anger over a stagnant economy, joblessness and poor public services in the cradle of the Arab Spring. Adding controversy and suspense to the contest, Karoui only walked free from jail on Wednesday, having spent more than a month behind bars on suspicion of money-laundering. The poll, Tunisia's second free presidential election since its 2011 revolt, followed the death of president Beji Caid Essebsi in July. Turnout was higher than in the first round, and estimated at around 57 per cent. 'Peaceful transition' In one polling station, voters said they were divided between "the one who will apply the law" and the one "who helps the poor", referring to a charity television show that boosted Karoui's popularity. The 56-year-old tycoon Karoui portrayed himself as a bulwark against political Islam, which he accused his rival of supporting. He called the result a "denial of justice", saying he had been penalised by his incarceration. "It's like competing in the Olympics and one breaks one's knee before doing the 100 meters," he said. Saied, a 61-year-old constitutional law expert, campaigned on the values of the 2011 revolution, based on opposition to Westernised and corrupt elites, and in favour of radical decentralisation. "You have created a new concept of revolution, let your conscience guide you," he said, casting his ballot. "Congratulations to Tunisia; less for whom they voted, and more for showing a continued commitment to resolving differences via peaceful transitions," said H.A. Hellyer, a senior fellow at the Royal United Services Institute in London, in a tweet. For what was the third election in four weeks, some Tunisians organised car-sharing and free transport for students who had to travel far to their hometowns to cast their ballots. "I am doing it out of love for my country. I support the one who embodies hope for Tunisia," said taxi driver Bakri who offered free rides to Saied supporters between Tunis and the coastal city of Nabeul. The Islamist-inspired Ennahdha party, which won the most seats in parliament in general elections earlier this month, had called on supporters to back Saied. But the runoff outcome had remained uncertain, with a ban on opinion polls. Saied topped the first round with 18.4 per cent of votes, while Karoui followed with 15.6 per cent. Sharp contrast While the candidates were both seen as anti-establishment figures, the contrast between them was sharp, with Saied earning his nickname for his rigid and austere manner. A social conservative, he has defended the death penalty, criminalisation of homosexuality and a sexual assault law that punishes unmarried couples who engage in public displays of affection. Karoui presented himself as a candidate for the poor whose appeal stemmed largely from his media empire and philanthropic activity. Karoui, who always appeared in designer suits, has dismissed the allegations against him as politically motivated.

Outsider Saied set for landslide in Tunisia presidency: Exit polls

Tunisians began voting on Sunday in a presidential runoff pitting a conservative academic against a media magnate fresh out of jail, reflecting a shift in the country's post-revolution political landscape.

The political newcomers swept aside the old guard in the first round, highlighting voter anger over a stagnant economy, high unemployment and poor public services in the cradle of the Arab Spring.

Adding controversy and suspense to the contest, presidential contender Nabil Karoui only walked free on Wednesday, having spent more than a month behind bars on suspicion of money-laundering.

This election is "more exciting than a local derby (football match)," said a young man taking part in lively debate on Bourguiba Avenue in central Tunis ahead of the showdown.

The vote, Tunisia's second free presidential poll since the 2011 revolt, follows the death of president Beji Caid Essebsi in July.

Polling stations opened to the electorate of seven million at 8:00 am (0700 GMT) and are due to close at 6:00 pm. Exit polls are expected by Sunday evening.

On Friday night, Karoui and law professor Kais Saied went head-to-head in a rare television debate, the last bid to woo voters.

Karoui, a 56-year-old business tycoon, appeared relaxed, if at times hesitant. Speaking in Tunisian dialect, he stuck to his key themes of economic liberalisation and fighting poverty.

Serious but also at ease, 61-year-old independent candidate Saied called for the decentralisation of power and criticised the country's partisan system, in classical Arabic.

The runoff outcome remains uncertain, with a ban on opinion polls, but Karoui received a boost with his newly formed party, Qalb Tounes (Heart of Tunis), coming second in legislative elections a week earlier.

Saied topped the first round in the presidential election, held on September 15, with 18.4 per cent of votes, while Karoui followed with 15.6 per cent. Turnout for that round was a modest 45 per cent.

Karoui presents himself as a candidate for the poor but spent most of his campaign imprisoned on money-laundering and tax-evasion charges. He was released on his fourth appeal in court after threatening to contest the results.

Sharp contrast

While the candidates are both seen as anti-establishment figures, the contrast between them is sharp, with Saied nicknamed "Robocop" for his rigid and austere manner.

A social conservative, he has defended the death penalty, criminalisation of homosexuality and a sexual assault law that punishes unmarried couples who engage in public displays of affection.

Saied is an expert on constitutional law, who taught at the Tunis faculty of judicial and political sciences for nearly two decades.

He launched an unorthodox election campaign that saw him shun mass rallies and instead canvass door-to-door.

The appeal of flamboyant Karoui, who always appears in designer suits, stems largely from his media empire and philanthropic activity.

A former executive for Colgate-Palmolive, in 2002 Karoui launched a media agency with his brother.

After the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, the Nessma TV channel that Karoui founded turned from entertainment programming towards news, becoming one of Tunisia's largest private broadcasters.

Over the past three years, Karoui burnished his reputation with a charity show on Nessma in which he distributed household appliances to needy families.

His arrest in the run-up to the election cemented his status as an outsider -- despite being a longtime key supporter of Essebsi, whose death on July 25 brought forward the polls.

Karoui, who says the allegations against him are politically motivated, campaigned by proxy through his wife and party.

Although now a free man, Karoui is still under investigation for fraud and banned from travelling abroad.

But if he wins the runoff, Karoui will receive immunity "and all the legal proceedings against him... will be suspended until the end of his mandate", constitutional law professor Salsabil Klibi told AFP.

Tunisians began voting on Sunday in a presidential runoff pitting a conservative academic against a media magnate fresh out of jail, reflecting a shift in the country's post-revolution political landscape.

Tunisians began voting on Sunday in a presidential runoff pitting a conservative academic against a media magnate fresh out of jail, reflecting a shift in the country's post-revolution political landscape. The political newcomers swept aside the old guard in the first round, highlighting voter anger over a stagnant economy, high unemployment and poor public services in the cradle of the Arab Spring. Adding controversy and suspense to the contest, presidential contender Nabil Karoui only walked free on Wednesday, having spent more than a month behind bars on suspicion of money-laundering. This election is "more exciting than a local derby (football match)," said a young man taking part in lively debate on Bourguiba Avenue in central Tunis ahead of the showdown. The vote, Tunisia's second free presidential poll since the 2011 revolt, follows the death of president Beji Caid Essebsi in July. Polling stations opened to the electorate of seven million at 8:00 am (0700 GMT) and are due to close at 6:00 pm. Exit polls are expected by Sunday evening. On Friday night, Karoui and law professor Kais Saied went head-to-head in a rare television debate, the last bid to woo voters. Karoui, a 56-year-old business tycoon, appeared relaxed, if at times hesitant. Speaking in Tunisian dialect, he stuck to his key themes of economic liberalisation and fighting poverty. Serious but also at ease, 61-year-old independent candidate Saied called for the decentralisation of power and criticised the country's partisan system, in classical Arabic. The runoff outcome remains uncertain, with a ban on opinion polls, but Karoui received a boost with his newly formed party, Qalb Tounes (Heart of Tunis), coming second in legislative elections a week earlier. Saied topped the first round in the presidential election, held on September 15, with 18.4 per cent of votes, while Karoui followed with 15.6 per cent. Turnout for that round was a modest 45 per cent. Karoui presents himself as a candidate for the poor but spent most of his campaign imprisoned on money-laundering and tax-evasion charges. He was released on his fourth appeal in court after threatening to contest the results. Sharp contrast While the candidates are both seen as anti-establishment figures, the contrast between them is sharp, with Saied nicknamed "Robocop" for his rigid and austere manner. A social conservative, he has defended the death penalty, criminalisation of homosexuality and a sexual assault law that punishes unmarried couples who engage in public displays of affection. Saied is an expert on constitutional law, who taught at the Tunis faculty of judicial and political sciences for nearly two decades. He launched an unorthodox election campaign that saw him shun mass rallies and instead canvass door-to-door. The appeal of flamboyant Karoui, who always appears in designer suits, stems largely from his media empire and philanthropic activity. A former executive for Colgate-Palmolive, in 2002 Karoui launched a media agency with his brother. After the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, the Nessma TV channel that Karoui founded turned from entertainment programming towards news, becoming one of Tunisia's largest private broadcasters. Over the past three years, Karoui burnished his reputation with a charity show on Nessma in which he distributed household appliances to needy families. His arrest in the run-up to the election cemented his status as an outsider -- despite being a longtime key supporter of Essebsi, whose death on July 25 brought forward the polls. Karoui, who says the allegations against him are politically motivated, campaigned by proxy through his wife and party. Although now a free man, Karoui is still under investigation for fraud and banned from travelling abroad. But if he wins the runoff, Karoui will receive immunity "and all the legal proceedings against him... will be suspended until the end of his mandate", constitutional law professor Salsabil Klibi told AFP.

Media mogul, academic face off as Tunisians choose president

Five things to know about Tunisia's parliamentary election

kais-saied

Kais Saied, News on Kais Saied, stories on Kais Saied, articles on Kais Saied, Kais Saied stories at Wion, Kais Saied news, Kais Saied latest news

kais saied

Outsider Saied set for landslide in Tunisia presidency: Exit polls

Media mogul, academic face off as Tunisians choose president

Five things to know about Tunisia's parliamentary election