Algeria’s election outcome disputed by opposition candidates and president

Algeria had anticipated a smooth election to grant President Abdelmadjid Tebboune a second term. However, unexpected events unfolded as the president himself raised doubts about the vote count, with his opponents also alleging fraud.
This surprising development diverges from Algeria’s usual election process, which has traditionally been orchestrated by the ruling elite and military establishment.
The country’s constitutional court has a week to rule on appeals from Tebboune’s challengers, leaving uncertainties on how the election concerns will be addressed, including the possibility of recounting votes and impacts on Tebboune’s legitimacy and public support.
Algeria’s National Independent Election Authority (ANIE) initially reported a low turnout on election day, only to later claim a significant increase in voter participation. However, discrepancies emerged when it was revealed that only a fraction of registered voters had actually cast their ballots.
The president’s opponents, Abdelali Hassani Cherif and Youcef Aouchiche, decried irregularities such as alleged pressure on poll workers and proxy voting, leading to challenges and appeals to the constitutional court.
With voter turnout closely monitored in Algeria due to historical low participation rates, this election saw only 5.6 million votes out of 24 million registered voters, raising concerns about the public’s confidence in the electoral process.
The election outcome holds significance as it reflects the level of support for Tebboune’s policies following the 2019 pro-democracy protests that led to his predecessor’s removal. The protests, known as the “Hirak,” called for genuine democracy and reforms to dismantle the entrenched elite power structure in Algeria.
While Tebboune is likely to retain his presidency, the contested election results reveal internal divisions within Algeria’s ruling class and institutions, impacting the country’s stability and regional influence.
Algeria’s geopolitical importance as a major player in North Africa with vast energy resources, strategic alliances, and defense expenditures, makes the election outcome crucial not only for the nation but also for regional dynamics and international relations.