Tunisia’s Islamists set for big gains as world casts wary eye on landmark elections

By Associated Press, Published: October 16

TUNIS, Tunisia — As the land that launched the Arab Spring heads into historic elections next week, all eyes are on the long-repressed Islamists — and whether a big victory for them will irrevocably change this North African nation and inspire similar conservative movements around the region.

Many fear that despite vows to uphold democracy, Tunisia’s Islamist Ennahda Party is bent on imposing a theocracy that would roll back hard-won secularism and women’s rights. Others see an opportunity to bring a moderate form of political Islam into the Arab world — one styled after the successful ruling party in thriving Turkey.

via Tunisia’s Islamists set for big gains as world casts wary eye on landmark elections – The Washington Post.