Reuters reports that polls opened for Tunisia's run-off presidential elections earlier today.
Former parliament speaker Beji Caid Essebsi appears as the front-runner after winning 39 percent of votes in preliminary elections held in November. Current president Moncef Marzouki follows with 33 percent. While Essebsi appeals to the more "secular, liberal sections of Tunisian society", Marzouki appeals to the conservative rural population.
Results are not expected to be announced until Monday the 22nd.
Tunisia is hailed as an example of democratic change for a region still struggling with the aftermath of the 2011 Arab Spring revolts. However, the volatile regional situation poses an imminent threat to this budding democracy.
