Algeria's President Tebboune Set for Second Term as Voters Show Little Enthusiasm

Algeria's polls closed as voters decided whether to grant President Abdelmadjid Tebboune another term. This follows pro-democracy protests five years ago that led to the military ousting the previous president after two decades in power.

Since the election date was announced earlier this year, there has been little suspense about the outcome. Although Tebboune is expected to win, he expressed hope that the winner would continue on the path towards democracy. "Uncle Tebboune," as his campaign calls him, was elected in December 2019 after nearly a year of weekly Hirak demonstrations demanding former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's resignation.

Voter Turnout and Polling Conditions

Polling places in Algiers were mostly empty throughout the day, with only police officers present. Voters were not queuing outside in the summer heat. However, polling places remained open until 9 pm to accommodate concerns that people may not have voted during the day due to the heat.

As of 5 pm, voter turnout was 26.5 per cent in Algeria and 18.3 per cent for precincts abroad. Vote counting has begun, and preliminary results are expected late Saturday night or early Sunday morning.

Challenges and Campaign Atmosphere

The campaign, rescheduled to take place during North Africa's hot summer, has been marked by apathy from the population. High living costs and drought-induced water shortages have plagued the country. Many of the last election's boycotters remain unconvinced about elections bringing change.

Activists and international organizations, including Amnesty International, have criticized authorities for prosecuting opposition parties, media organisations, and civil society groups. Some have denounced this election as a rubber stamp exercise that can only entrench the status quo.

Opposition and Public Sentiment

Twenty-six candidates submitted preliminary paperwork to run in the election, but only two were approved to challenge Tebboune. Neither political novices, they avoided directly criticising Tebboune on the campaign trail and emphasized participation.

Abdelali Hassani Cherif, head of the Islamist party Movement of Society for Peace (MSP), made populist appeals to Algerian youth with his slogan "Opportunity!" Youcef Aouchiche, a former journalist running with the Socialist Forces Front (FFS), campaigned on a vision for tomorrow.

Walking near a vote centre in downtown Algiers, longtime FFS supporter Mhand Kasdi said his party had betrayed its ideals by putting forth a candidate for the first time since 1999. "It is giving its backing to a rigged election," said Kasdi, adding that Aouchiche and Hassani are going to help make the regime's candidate look good.

Historical Context and Current Situation

Tebboune's backers and challengers have urged voters to cast their ballots after boycotts and high abstention rates in previous elections marred the government's ability to claim popular support. Throughout his tenure, Tebboune has used oil and gas revenue to boost social benefits like unemployment insurance and public wages to calm discontent.

To cement his legitimacy, Tebboune hopes more of Algeria's 24 million eligible voters participate in this election than in his first when only 39.9 per cent voted. The political crisis will persist as long as the regime remains in place," said former Hirak leader Hakim Addad.

Aouchiche called on Algerians to vote for him to give young people confidence and end despair driving them to migrate to Europe. "Vote for me to give young people confidence," he said while voting in his hometown on Saturday.

Algeria is Africa's largest country by area and its second most populous after South Africa. It is holding presidential elections in 2024 alongside more than 50 other elections worldwide.