Tunisians are heading to the polls to vote for their first directly elected president since the 2011 revolution ended the rule of Ben Ali.<br /><br />The contest pits a new generation of politicians who emerged from the Arab Spring against the old guard.<br /><br />Those queuing to vote had high hopes for the outcome.<br /><br />“We’re looking for someone to save the country” said a woman waiting to vote.<br /><br />“Today is a party. We’re hoping for a good president. Someone who will bring us prosperity, that’s crucial,” said a man in the queue.<br /><br />Beji Caid Essebsi, seen as the frontrunner, turns 88 next week.<br /><br />He leads the Nidaa Tounes party which won the most parliamentary seats.<br /><br />He’s promised stability but his critics stress his links to the one-party rule of deposed president Ben Ali. <br /><br />His main opposition comes from Moncef Marzouki, an academic and human rights activist who has served as president since 2011.<br /><br />He’s warned against the return of former officials from the old regime.<br /><br />The result could hang on the support of Ennahda’s voters, as the party did not put forward a candidate.<br /><br />If no one wins a clear majority it will go to a second round to be held in late December.<br /><br />Whoever wins faces the tough task of rebooting the economy and tackling the Islamist militant threat which emerged in the wake of the revolt.
