Tunisia marked the begining of its final chapter by holding its first legislative elections under its new constitution on October 26. Despite concerns over insecurity and political apathy after a tumultuous three and a half year transition, initial figures regarding voter turnout suggest a high degree of Tunisian engagement with the process, surprising most analysts. That the largest Islamist party, Ennahda, conceded defeat and called to congratulate its secular opponents, Nidaa Tounes, signals an acceptance of the results, whatever the final number may be, and offers hope for the future government’s legitimacy. The Atlantic Council’s Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East has followed the Tunisian elections closely. Here are some comments from our experts:

Amy Hawthorne, Senior Fellow
Election observer in Tunisia

Karim Mezran, Senior Fellow
North Africa specialist

Moez Labidi, Nonresident Fellow
Economist based in Tunisia

Lara Talverdian, Assistant Director for Research
Tunisia researcher

For more Atlantic Council’s analysis and opinion on the Tunisian elections, visit the Hariri Center’s Transitions in Focus page.

Image: A woman proudly waves the Tunisian flag in celebration of her country's milestone election, October 26, 2014. (Photo: Christine Petré)