Tunisia election: Essebsi claims historic victory

Tunisia's Beji Caid Essebsi has claimed victory in the country's first free presidential election, with exit polls suggesting he won 55.5% of the vote. 




Supporters of the 88-year-old celebrated in the capital Tunis. 

Campaigners for his rival, caretaker President Moncef Marzouki, say the results are too close to call. 

Critics say his success marks the return of a discredited establishment but Mr Essebsi says he is a technocrat who will bring stability. 

Tunisia was the first country to depose its leader in the Arab Spring and inspired other uprisings in the region. 

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