Algerians recently participated in an election to decide if Army-backed President Abdelmadjid Tebboune will win another term. Despite a lackluster turnout, Tebboune is expected to secure victory. The election comes five years after pro-democracy protests ousted the previous president, sparking hope for a more democratic future.
Despite the opposition’s urging for boycotts due to concerns about the election’s fairness and ties to the old regime, two challengers ultimately ran against Tebboune. The challengers, Abdelali Hassani Cherif and Youcef Aouchiche, focused on youth empowerment and a vision for the future in their campaigns.
Critics view the election as a rubber stamp exercise that maintains the status quo. Activists and international organizations have condemned ongoing prosecutions of opposition figures. Despite some improvements in social benefits under Tebboune’s tenure, many Algerians remain skeptical about the prospects for real change.
Both challengers aimed their campaigns towards the 2025 legislative elections, seeking to position themselves favorably by participating in the presidential election. They avoided direct criticism of Tebboune and urged Algerians to vote, hoping to build support for future political endeavors.
As the election results are finalized, Algerians are left questioning the democratic legitimacy of the process and the potential for true political change in the country. Regardless of the outcome, the election marks another chapter in Algeria’s complex political landscape.
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