On November 28, nearly four years after the Arab Spring swept across much of North Africa and the Middle East, Tunisians will go to the polls to elect their first president since the adoption of a new constitution.

In recognition of this milestone and its implications for Tunisia’s democratic transition, the Atlantic Council’s Africa Center and Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East hosted a private luncheon with Tunisian presidential candidate Mondher Zenaidi on October 22. Zenaidi has been active in Tunisian politics for nearly four decades, serving in senior positions under two presidents and in numerous ministerial positions. Most recently he was minister of health.

After a welcome and introduction by Africa Center Director J. Peter Pham and Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East Deputy Director Danya Greenfield, Zenaidi spoke about the importance of meaningful reform, particularly in the economy and the security sector, in consolidating post-revolution gains. He engaged in a lively conversation with participants on his vision for a democratic and peaceful Tunisia, and expressed hope that the United States would continue and deepen its strong relationship with his country.