Algerians recently voted in an election to decide whether President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, backed by the military, will remain in office. This election comes five years after pro-democracy protests led to the ousting of the previous president. The voter turnout was modest in this election, with 48% in Algeria and 19.6% for precincts abroad, surpassing the 2019 election’s turnout. Despite the low overall turnout, Tebboune is expected to win another term.
Tebboune expressed hope that the election winner would continue building democracy in Algeria. The campaign leading up to the election was marked by apathy among the population due to high living costs and water shortages. Tebboune, also known as “Uncle Tebboune,” was elected in 2019 after protests forced the resignation of former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. Many Algerians remain skeptical about the election bringing positive change and have boycotted it.
Tebboune has used oil and gas revenue to provide social benefits and calm unrest during his tenure. He aims to gain more legitimacy through higher voter participation in this election compared to the previous one. However, activists and international organizations have criticized the government for prosecuting opposition parties, media organizations, and civil society groups. The election is seen by some as a means to maintain the status quo rather than bring about real change.
Two challengers were ultimately approved to challenge Tebboune in the election. Both emphasized the importance of participation and avoided directly criticizing the incumbent president. Many Algerians felt betrayed by the challengers’ decision to participate in what they consider a rigged election. The challengers aimed to mobilize their base and position themselves well for the 2025 legislative elections, where they hope to perform strongly and gain more seats.
The election reflected the ongoing political crisis in Algeria, where many feel that the regime needs to be replaced for real change to occur. Despite the efforts of the challengers, the election was viewed negatively by many Algerians, with some boycotting it. The outcome of the election remains to be seen, but the discontent among the population indicates that the government needs to address their concerns to restore faith in the political system.
