The participation rate in the first round of presidential elections in Tunisia reached 45.02 percent, announced Sunday evening by Nabil Bafoun, president of the Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE).

During a press conference held at the Media Center in Tunis, Bafoun said that the turnout abroad is revised upwards since the last polling station in San Francisco of United States will open until 0300 GMT on Monday.

According to the ISIE, preliminary results of the election will be announced on Sept. 17.

Tunisians voted for a new president to succeed the former President Beji Caid Essebsi, who died on July 25.