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Tunisia awaits election results

Jeremy Hobson Oct 24, 2011
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Tunisia awaits election results

Jeremy Hobson Oct 24, 2011
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Jeremy Hobson: They’re counting votes today in Tunisia — the first of the Arab Spring countries to head to the polls. The turnout over the weekend was 90 percent.

We’re going to talk now with Inel Tarfa who is a 25-year-old business school student in Tunisia. He’s with us from the capital, Tunis. Good morning.

Inel Tarfa: Good morning.

Hobson: Well, first of all, this revolution that started in Tunisia started because of economic reasons, to some degree anyway. Do you think that as a result of these elections, that those concerns — those economic concerns — will be addressed?

Tarfa: Well, to be perfectly honest, with the results we are seeing so far with Ennahda leading, I don’t think it’s really their main concern — although all parties we will improve the economics, etc. But I don’t really trust them.

Hobson: You think the party — this moderate Islamic party that is leading — is not going to address those concerns?

Tarfa: Well, not directly, I’d say. They sure will try to appease people, but that won’t be their main concern until long-term.

Hobson: You are a business school student. Do you plan to stay in Tunisia when you’re finished with school, or leave?

Tarfa: So far, I don’t really know. I have to finish my degree first, and then I’ll see if I can have an opportunity outside of Tunisia or not. We’ll see, I don’t know yet.

Hobson: Inel Tarfa, 25-year-old business student, joining us from Tunis, Tunisia. Thank you so much.

Tarfa: Thank you.

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