TUNIS - Tunisian President Kais Saied on Sunday announced a sweeping reshuffle of 19 ministers, including those for foreign affairs, defense and health, ahead of the presidential election on October 6.

"This morning, Aug 25, 2024, the President of the Republic has decided to make a governmental change," the Tunisian Presidency said in a statement posted on its Facebook page, without providing reasons for the decision.

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According to the statement, Saied has appointed Khaled Sehili as the new defense minister, succeeding Imed Memmich; Mohamed Ali Nafti as the new foreign minister, succeeding Nabil Ammar; and Mustapha Ferjani as the new health minister, succeeding Ali Mrabet.

On August 8, the president sacked Prime Minister Ahmed Hachani, replacing him with Kamel Maddouri, the social affairs minister.

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Saied will seek a second five-year term in the upcoming presidential election.