Presidential polls in Tunisia, initially scheduled for November 17th, have been brought forward to September in the wake of the death of President Beji Caid Essebsi last week. The election authority announced that all the necessary logistical, legal and human resources will be employed to ensure the success of elections. CGTN's Adnen Chaouachi files this report from capital Tunis.

The Higher Independent Authority for Elections ISIE has received 1,572 candidate lists in all electoral constituencies at home and abroad. The lists include 687 party lists, 722 independent lists and 163 coalition lists.

NABIL BAFFOUN PRESIDENT, ISIE "The total number of candidates reached 15,737 vying for 217 seats in the next Parliamentary elections. According to the electoral calendar, the ISIE will examine the candidacies and will announce the final lists on August 30."

The election authority shed light on the new calendar and briefed political parties about the constitutional and legal constraints that led the election body to announce the upcoming presidential elections for September 15 following the death of president Beji Caied Essebsi.

NABIL BAFFOUN PRESIDENT, ISIE "September 15, 2019, is the closest possible date for the organisation of early presidential elections. The current calendar will complete the electoral process after 88 days of the start of the provisional presidential term."

Many parties and presidential candidates have criticized the calendar, they want to ensure that candidates have the time needed to prepare their applications and collect signatures.

HAMMA HAMMEMI PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE, POPULAR FRONT "Shorter time frames were proposed, particularly in relation to the electoral campaign which was shortened from 22 to 13 days. The election authority has respected the constitution but neglected the political side which is necessary for the success of the elections."

MOHSEN MARZOUK LEADER, MACHROU TOUNES PARTY "The election authority's timetable for the presidential and legislative elections needs the legal backing and approval from parliament. If the parliament agrees, then we have no problem."

Tunisia's election authority is empowered to set, publish and implement the election timetable in accordance with the time frames set forth in the 2014 Constitution and the election law.

ADNEN CHAOUACHI TUNIS, TUNISIA "In 2014, The Higher Independent Authority for Elections ISIE organized the 1st successful legislative and presidential elections in the history of Tunisia. The elections were described by local and International observers as free, fair and independent. Authorities are confident that the ISIE can organize successful and transparent elections this year. AC. CGTN."