Tunis 15 September 2004--Mr Mounir Beji, President of the Social Liberal Party (PSL) was Tuesday the second opposition leader to present his candidacy to the office of President.

Mr Beji submitted his candidacy papers Tuesday to the Constitutional Council in the Bardo, near Tunis .

The candidate told the press he considers his candidacy "a crowning of his career" and said "the main objective" of his candidacy was "to participate in the building of democracy in Tunisia and contribute to the success of the elections."

Another opposition leader, Mr Mohamed Bouchiha, who is secretary general of the Popular Unity Party (PUP), had presented his candidacy to the office of President last Friday.

The incumbent, President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, had presented his candidacy on September 3rd. A third opposition figure, nominated by the Ettajdid Party (former communist), is expected to present his candidacy later this week.

Reforms have been introduced to prepare for the 2004 elections. Adopted provisions include the introduction of a two-round system for elections, establishing a maximum age ceiling of 75 years for candidacy to presidential elections, and easing the conditions for running for the office of President.

Legislative elections will place the same day than presidential elections, on October 24, 2004 . Among the country's seven opposition parties, five are today represented in Parliament. The Democratic Constitutional Rally holds the majority in the Chamber of Deputies.