Conservative academic Kais Saied, a political outsider, was headed for a landslide victory Sunday in Tunisia's presidential runoff, sweeping aside his rival, media magnate Nabil Karoui, exit polls said.

In a contest that reflected Tunisia's shifting post-revolution political landscape, Saied, an independent, scooped 72.5% of the votes according to Emrhold's exit poll, and 76.9% per exit poll conducted by Sigma Consulting – more than 40 points ahead of Karoui.

In his first reaction, Saied thanked the country's youth "for turning a new page," and vowed to try to build "a new Tunisia."

Around 90 percent of the voters aged 18 to 25 years voted for Saied, according to estimates by Sigma polling institute, compared with 49.2 percent of voters over 60.

The runoff was contested by two political newcomers – Saied, former law professor who ran as an independent with no political experience, and 56-year-old media mogul Nabil Karoui, who campaigned from prison after being charged with money laundering and tax fraud.

Central themes of the election feature voter anger at a stagnant economy, joblessness, and poor public services. Both candidates presented themselves as outsiders taking on an establishment that has failed to improve Tunisia's economy or address a decline in living standards.

(With input from agencies) 

Read more: Tycoon vs academic: Tunisia's presidential battle of the outsiders