The president of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz Tuesday congratulated all the people of Tunisia for participating in the general elections held on Monday, KUNA News Agency reported.
"The Tunisian people can be proud today to open a new chapter in its history. It is now upon the newly elected to preserve this spirit of compromise and responsibility that has prevailed until now in order to meet the high expectations of social justice, freedom and prosperity for all Tunisians," he said in a statement.
Schulz applauded the work of the Tunisian authorities who have allowed the smooth running of the first free Tunisian elections since the end of the Ben Ali regime.
He saluted the memory of all those politicians and citizens who have fallen on the road to freedom and democracy in Tunisia.
Finally, he praised the "remarkable work" of the observer mission of the European Union which has deployed more than 120 observers, including Members of the European Parliament.
The EU also commended the Tunisian people for their active participation in the parliamentary election.
"We also praise all the candidates and parties that competed in a peaceful manner, particularly since this was the second election within three years," said Michael Mann, spokesman for EU High Representative, Catherine Ashton, in a statement.
"These elections are a sign of democracy taking root in Tunisian society and are a major achievement in a region that has so often been marred by instability and violence. We look forward to the completion of a fully transparent electoral process," he noted.
Mann said that the EU stands ready to work closely with the newly elected Assembly of People's Representatives, the Tunisian authorities and institutions in responding to the challenges that lie ahead and remains fully committed to enhance its privileged partnership with Tunisia.
"These legislative elections have been organized in an orderly and thorough manner, which is an encouraging sign as preparations are made for the upcoming first round of presidential elections, which is scheduled for 23 November," stated the spokesman.
He added that the EU Election Observation Mission will remain in Tunisia until the whole electoral process is completed.