Algeria’s Presidential Election Sees Improved Turnout as Tebboune Poised for Second Term

Algeria concluded its presidential election on September 7, 2024, with incumbent President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, 78, widely expected to secure a second five-year term. The election featured three candidates: Tebboune, Abdelaali Hassani of the Peace and Citizenship Movement, and Youcef Aouchiche of the Socialist Forces Front.Despite initial concerns about low voter enthusiasm, the Independent National Electoral Authority (INEA) reported a final voter turnout of 48.03% within the country and 19.57% among the diaspora. This marks a significant improvement from the 2019 election, which saw a 39% turnout. To encourage participation, polling stations remained open an extra hour until 8:00 PM local time.Preliminary results suggest a landslide victory for Tebboune, with official results expected to be announced on Sunday, September 8. The Constitutional Court is set to declare the final results within 10 days.Throughout the campaign, all candidates courted young voters with promises to improve living standards and reduce dependence on hydrocarbons. Tebboune has touted economic successes during his first term, including more jobs and higher wages, while his challengers have vowed to grant the people more freedoms.However, the election has faced criticism from some quarters. Political commentator Mohamed Hennad stated, ‘The winner is known in advance,’ referring to Tebboune’s expected victory. Amnesty International has raised concerns about ‘a steady erosion of human rights’ under Tebboune’s rule, citing a ‘zero-tolerance approach to dissenting opinions’.The outcome of this election is seen as crucial for Algeria’s future political and economic trajectory, particularly in light of the ‘Hirak’ pro-democracy protests that led to the resignation of former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in 2019.

Key points

• Algeria’s presidential election saw a 48.

03% voter turnout within the country, higher than the 2019 election.

• Incumbent President Abdelmadjid Tebboune is expected to win a second term with a landslide victory.
• The election has faced criticism for lack of genuine competition and concerns over human rights.
• Official results are expected to be announced on Sunday, September 8.

Contradictions👾There are discrepancies in the reported voter turnout figures, with some sources citing 26.

46% and others reporting 48.

03%.

This may be due to updates throughout the day or differences in counting methods.