Tunisians go to the polls on Sunday to vote for a new president in just the third free election since the 2011 revolution that ended the regime of autocrat Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali.
Nearly 30 candidates are running, but a race has emerged between a veteran ex-Ben Ali official and a rights activist who says the election is a chance to stop the return of old-regime stalwarts.
More than three years after the end of Ben Ali's one-party rule, Tunisia has become a model of transition for the region by adopting a new constitution and avoiding the turmoil facing its neighbors.
Sunday's vote follows an October general election when the main secular Nidaa Tounes party won the most seats in the parliament, besting the Islamist party Ennahda that won the first free poll in 2011.
Compromise between secular and Islamist rivals has become the byword for Tunisia's political success, but the ascent of former regime officials is worrying critics who say they fear their return will be a setback for the 2011 revolution.
Essebsi a front-runner
Nidaa Tounes' leader, Beji Caid Essebsi, an 87-year-old former Ben Ali official, emerged as a front-runner along with his main rival, President Moncef Marzouki, who is warning against the rise of one-party era figures like Essebsi.
"The old regime wants to impose itself on these elections, especially after they won the most seats in the parliament,'' said bank employee Mohammed Souilmi. "I will be voting to put a stop to that.''
Essebsi and other former Ben Ali era officials say they are not tainted by the corruption and abuse of the former regime. They present themselves as technocrats with the skills to help Tunisia.
"Tunisians just want a president who can help restore security and the economic situation, and return the prestige we have lost,'' said hairdresser Sonia Ben Omar.
Most analysts believe neither Essebsi or Marzouki will win enough votes to avoid a second round of voting in December.
Hard negotiations ahead
A new Nidaa Tounes-led government will be formed after the presidential ballot. But the narrow lead it holds over Ennahda in parliament will mean tough post-election negotiations over the new administration.
Ennahda has not put forward a candidate or backed anyone, so its supporters will be key to the outcome of the vote.
The new government will face a harsh agenda of implementing politically sensitive economic reforms to boost growth and create jobs as well as tackling the Islamist militant threat that emerged after the 2011 revolt.
