- Tunisian President's intentions to secure a fifth mandate in office had been revealed by his confirmation to contest 2009 presidential polls.
President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali made the announcement as he addressed the fifth congress of his ruling Democratic Constitutional Rally.
Ben Ali ascended to power on 7 November 1987 after he had ousted Habib Bourgiba, cranky and aging leader, in a bloodless coup. Lauded for his liberal leadership style, especially on women and religious issues, Mr. Bourgiba had ruled Tunisia since the country gained independence from France in 1956.
At the time of coup, Ali, who had formerly served as Ministers of Interior, Internal and National Security under Bourgiba, was a Prime Minister who had enjoyed strong connections in the army.
Last February, Mr. Ali's party endorsed his nominations for the next presidential elections. This appeal was again given backing at the party's central committee meeting on 15 July.
In 2002, Tunisians voted in favour of a constitutional change that allowed Mr. Ali to seek a fifth mandate. With a population of 10 million people, Tunisia's ruling party has a membership of more than two million.
Born on 3 September 1936 in Hammam Susa, Ben Ali has been praised for turning around the economic engines of the North African country, amid cries of state-sponsored gross violations of human rights.
Since he first stood for elections in 1989 after a two-year transition period, Ben Ali had been winning with overwhelming majority, and in most cases, scoring over 99% of the ballot. He polled 94.5% on 24 October 2004, compared to Bouchiha's 3.8% and Mohamed Ali Halouani's 1%.
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.
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