Ghannouchi, a respected scholar who has spoken in favor of women’s rights and democracy, returned to Tunisia from two decades in exile following last month’s overthrow of President Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali.

His planned departure calls into question the future leadership of Ennahda, which is expected to be a significant political force in forthcoming elections in the predominantly Muslim North African state.

“Ghannouchi ... said that he would soon quit as the leader of Ennahda, as he did not want to assume any political duties in any section of the government,” according to the report from Turkey’s Anatolian news agency.

“He said the Ennahda movement would elect its new leader at a congress to be held this year.”

North Africa’s most developed country has been in flux since protests ended Ben Ali’s 23-year rule on Jan. 14, sparking riots across the Arab world that some analysts fear could play into the hands of Islamists.

Ghannouchi has asked Tunisia’s interim government for permission to reinstate Ennahda as a political party ahead of elections to replace Ben Ali, who had banned the movement over allegations it sought to overthrow the secular state.

The interim government has yet to approve Ennahda’s license, and is working to rewrite the country’s constitution ahead of the polls hoped for by July or August.

Ghannouchi told Reuters earlier this month that he does not plan to stand in the presidential elections.

Analysts have said any moves to sideline Ennahda, which is likened to Turkey’s ruling AK Party, which emerged from a series of Islamist parties, could backfire by radicalizing the group and encouraging militants seeking a foothold in the country.

A successful transition to democracy in Tunisia, which relies heavily on its tourism industry, could provide a model to other countries in the region facing uprisings.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak stepped down on Feb. 11 after the Tunisian-inspired revolt, while massive rallies are pressuring other governments including Libya’s.