Hillary Clinton hails Tunisia vote

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says Tunisia has set an example for the world with the first post-Arab Spring election and urged MPs to build an "inclusive" government.

"As Tunisia's brave citizens chart a new democratic future, they continue to set an example for the region and the world," Ms Clinton said.

Tunisia's main Islamist party Ennahda said it has taken the biggest block of votes in the polls, with the leader of the secular centre-left PDP party, tipped as the main challenger before the vote, conceding defeat.

Ms Clinton did not comment directly on the Islamists' apparent triumph, instead calling the election "a historic milestone on Tunisia's path from autocratic dictatorship to a government that respects the will of the people".

"We encourage the Constituent Assembly to operate in a transparent and inclusive manner as they undertake this new democratic responsibility and fulfill the Tunisian people's aspirations for accountability, wider economic opportunity and respect for universal human rights," she said.

"The United States remains committed to working with the government and people of Tunisia as they pursue a more peaceful, prosperous and democratic future," Ms Clinton said.