The Obama administration on Monday congratulated President-elect Beji Caid Essebsi on his victory and the people of Tunisia on the successful conclusion of the first presidential election under the new constitution, something the White House called a "vital step toward the completion of Tunisia's momentous transition to democracy." The United States looks forward to working with the new administration as it works to "uphold the ideals of the Tunisian revolution and to meet all Tunisians' aspirations for security, economic opportunity, and dignity," the White House said in a statement Monday. The success of Tunisia's political transition can be attributed to the commitment by the country's leaders and people to "inclusive political dialogue, consensus-building, and democratic values," the White House wrote.
