TUNISIA ELECTION
Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali waves to supporters after formally presenting his candidacy for the upcoming presidential elections, Wedn...
Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali waves to supporters after formally presenting his candidacy for the upcoming presidential elections, Wednesday Aug. 26, 2009 at the Constitutional Council in Tunis. The 72-year-old president, who has ruled this North African nation for more than two decades, is widely expected to win another five-year mandate after Oct. 25 elections. (AP Photo/Hassene Dridi)
TUNISIA ELECTION
Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali waves to supporters after formally presenting his candidacy for the upcoming presidential elections, Wedn...
Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali waves to supporters after formally presenting his candidacy for the upcoming presidential elections, Wednesday Aug.26, 2009 at the Constitutional Council in Tunis. The 72-year-old president, who has ruled this North African nation for more than two decades, is widely expected to win another five-year mandate after Oct. 25 elections. (AP Photo/Hassene Dridi)
Tunisia's president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali has submitted his candidacy to run for a fifth term in October elections.
The 73-year-old Ben Ali officially registered as a candidate with the Constitutional Council in a pomp-filled ceremony Wednesday.
He spoke to a crowd of supporters outside the building and pledged to remain committed to "moderation and tolerance."
His candidacy was made possible by a constitutional amendment passed in 2002 removing a three-term limit on presidents.
He will face four other candidates in the Oct. 25 election but is widely expected to win.
A leading opposition figure, Nejib Chebbi, pulled out of the presidential race Tuesday, citing a lack of transparency in the campaign.
