ALGIERS: Algerian authorities have declared President Abdulmadjid Tebboune the winner of Saturday’s election, with preliminary results showing he secured 95% of the vote. However, rival candidate Abdelaali Hassani Cherif has alleged irregularities, including claims of vote tampering and irregularities in vote-sorting records. Turnout was reported at 48%.
Tebboune, who has been supported by the military, faced minimal opposition from Hassani Cherif, a moderate Islamist, and Youcef Aouchiche, a moderate secularist. Both opposition candidates were endorsed by Algeria’s powerful establishment.
Cherif’s campaign has accused polling officials of inflating results and failing to provide vote records to candidates, calling the election process a “farce.” Despite these claims, electoral commission head Mohammed Charfi asserted that the commission had ensured transparency and fairness.
Tebboune’s re-election suggests continuity in Algeria’s governance, with a focus on social spending fueled by increased energy revenues. He has pledged to continue raising unemployment benefits, pensions, and public housing programs. His administration has also been marked by a tough stance on dissent, jailing prominent critics.
The low voter turnout, compared to the 40% in 2019, reflects ongoing disillusionment with the political elite, exacerbated by economic challenges. While Tebboune’s government has used increased oil revenues for social handouts, unemployment remains above 12% and inflation is high.
In foreign policy, Tebboune’s record is mixed. Algeria’s role as a gas provider has been overshadowed by Morocco’s diplomatic successes in Western Sahara and its recent BRICS membership expansion, which did not include Algeria. Despite these challenges, Algeria remains a significant military power and continues to balance ties between Western and Russian interests.
