Tunisian candidates start their presidential campaigns

It's campaign time in Tunisia as presidential candidates gear up for elections.

The north African country was the only democracy to emerge from the 2011 Arab uprisings.

But there are challenges as campaigns begin against a backdrop of economic troubles and a militant shooting.

Among the 24 men and two women running for election is prime minister Youssef Chahed.

(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) TUNISIAN PRIME MINISTER AND PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE, YOUSSEF CHAHED, SAYING:

"We have also achieved success on the international stage, we've signed the Arab summit agreement, we've entered the (inaudible) market, which opened a lot of doors for Tunisians and to exporting companies. We've achieved positive things, as our numbers show."

A media magnate detained last month on suspicion of tax fraud and money laundering is also running.

And candidate Abdelfattah Mourou, from a moderate Islamist party that was banned before the revolution.

(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) VICE PRESIDENT OF ENNAHDA PARTY AND PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE, ABDELFATTAH MOUROU, SAYING:

"We want to give Tunisia a name throughout this continent, one that is based on solidarity, cooperation, enrichment, and permanent development. We want to make out of Tunisia a capital for Africa."

The presidential election on September 15 was called early because of the death in July of president Beji Caid Essebsi.

He was the first democratically-elected head of state after the popular uprising that overthrew veteran strongman Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali.

The president controls foreign and defense policy, governing alongside a prime minister chosen by parliament - they have authority over domestic affairs.

Whoever ends up leading the country will face the challenge of fixing the economy.

And containing the threat from militant groups including Islamic State.