DHAKA: Tunisia’s Beji Caid Essebsi has claimed victory in the country’s first free presidential election, with exit polls suggesting he won 55.5 percent of the vote.

Supporters of the 88-year-old celebrated in the capital Tunis, reports the BBC.

Campaigners for his rival, caretaker President Moncef Marzouki, say the results are too close to call.

Critics say his success marks the return of a discredited establishment but Essebsi says he is a technocrat who will bring stability.

Tunisia was the first country to depose its leader in the Arab Spring and inspired other uprisings in the region.

Official results are still to be announced from the run-off election but one exit poll gave Essebsi 55.5 percent, with several others showing similar figures.

Tunisia boosted security for the elections and closed border posts with Libya, which has been plagued by unrest.

A group of at least three attackers targeted a polling station near the city of Kairouan on Sunday morning. Security forces say they killed one attacker and arrested three.

BDST: 0941 HRS, DEC 22, 2014