Tunisia proposes new election for spring 2013

TUNIS, Tunisia – Tunisia's prime minister says the next general election could be held by spring 2013.

Hamadi Jebali presented the government's economic program to the constitutional assembly on Thursday and suggested the date for the next election.

After overthrowing their dictator in January 2011, Tunisians elected an assembly in October to write a new constitution and manage the affairs of the country.

A moderate Islamist party won and formed a coalition with two leftist parties.

Once the constitution is completed, there will be an election for a legislative assembly. Originally the process was suggested to take a year.

Jebali admitted the proposed date was a bit later than originally discussed but said "it was for a good cause."