UPR’s Lotfi Mraihi says intends to run for president

_: Secretary General of the Republican People's Union (French: UPR) Lotfi Mraihi said Tuesday he would stand in the upcoming presidential elections. The decision was motivated by social and economic deterioration, Mraihi said. The party's SG said he hopes the upcoming presidential race would take place as part of mutual respect among contenders. The Independent High Authority for Elections needs to commit to the standards of integrity and transparency and equal opportunities, Mraihi further said. The SG urged the President of the Republic to speedily set a date for elections to allow time for adequate preparation under the best conditions and abide by the constitutional oath to have the presidential term start next October 23. Lotfi Mraihi run in the 2019 presidential poll; he took 6.6% of the vote in the first round. He called back then on his supporters to vote for candidate Kais Saied in the runoff election. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse