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Jailed tycoon among Tunisia’s 26 presidential candidates

August 31 2019 07:34 AM

TUNIS, Tunisia – A jailed media magnate is among the 26 candidates who are running in Tunisia's presidential election on Sept. 15.

The Tunisian election authority announced the candidates who qualified for the first round of voting in the North African country with a fragile democracy. A second vote is expected two weeks later.

Businessman Nabil Karoui was allowed to maintain his candidacy while in custody on accusations of money laundering and tax evasion.

The election authority said Saturday that Karoui and another candidate accused of money laundering can run for president as long as they haven't been convicted.

Before his arrest, Karoui was considered a leading contender to follow President Beji Caid Essebsi, who died in office in July. Other top candidates include Prime Minister Youssef Chahed and Defence Minister Abdelkrim Zbidi.

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Parker Crook

Parker Crook is a Saskatchewan-born reporter who began his career in journalism while studying the craft at SAIT in Calgary. After cutting his teeth at the school news outlet as the Opinions Editor, Parker landed a position at a Vernon newspaper and worked his way up to the editor’s chair. Parker strives to tell stories that have a genuine impact on the community he calls home. And, from courtroom dramas to on stage antics, Parker believes meaningful stories can be found just about anywhere.