Algerian election campaign marked by social promises and accusations of foul play

Algeria’s presidential election, scheduled for September 7, is drawing attention both because of the politics at stake and the lack of competition. Some 24 million voters will have to choose between three candidates, including incumbent President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. The small field of candidates has led to allegations of undemocratic practices, with opposition figures saying the system is rigged to favor the status quo.

The president of the National Independent Authority for Elections (ANIE), Mohamed Charfi, highlighted the “positive dynamic of registrations” while expressing the hope of a strong turnout in the election.

However, the lack of choice has cast a shadow over the situation following the rejection of 13 potential candidates.

Only two candidates have been selected to challenge Tebboune: Abdelaali Hassani of the moderate Islamist party, the Movement for Society for Peace (MSP), and Youcef Aouchiche of the centre-left Socialist Forces Front (FFS).

Local media reported that Hassani launched his campaign in the capital, Algiers, under the slogan “Opportunity,” while Aouchiche launched his in the working-class neighborhood of Bab El Oued with the slogan “Vision for Tomorrow.”

“Neutralize” the opposition?

The other 13 candidates, however, failed to gather the required number of signatures to enter the race, an obstacle many see as symptomatic of a broader effort to “neutralize the opposition.”

These include a potential 100% increase in wages by 2027 and continued efforts to reduce inflation – which he says has already fallen from 11% to 6%.

The campaign for the presidential election in Algeria continues until September 3.