Tunisia’s President Beji Caid Essebsi passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2019, after the diagnosis of a severe illness in June. The 92-year-old who came into power in 2014 was the country’s first democratically elected leader.

In line with the constitution, Mohammed Ennaceur, the speaker of parliament, has been appointed interim President. While Ennaceur, 85 will be in office for the next 45-90 days, the electoral process is being organized.

Ennaceur has been in several government positions for years now. Previously he served as the Minister of Social Affairs under previous tenures. He was made President of the Assembly of the Representatives of the people, and the leader of the governing Nidaa Tounes party. Until the election in September, Ennaceur is expected to take control of the affairs of Tunisia.

The country has declared seven days of national mourning for the Lt.Essebsi, who led what many characterize as the only democratic success of the revolts that swept across the Arab world.

Read more on Al Jazeera