Tunisia's interim prime minister says the country's elections have been further postponed until October 23.

Beji Caid Essebsi announced the latest one week delay on Wednesday. Officials said it is to ensure the vote is free and transparent.

The elections were first set for July.

The vote will be the first since the January ouster of Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

The elections are for a constituent assembly meant to write a new constitution and lead the way for legislative and presidential elections.