Tunisian defence minister Zbidi to run for president

Tunisian defence minister Abdelkarim Zbidi submitted his candidacy on Wednesday for an early presidential election expected to take place on Sept. 15.

Zbidi, 69, an independent supported by liberal parties including Nidaa Tounes and afek Tounes, is likely to be among leading candidates in the election, to be held early following the death of president Beji Caid Essebsi last month.