President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has been confirmed for a second term as Algeria’s president following the recent election, marking a significant moment five years after the country’s pro-democracy protests led to the ousting of his predecessor. According to the independent election authority, Tebboune achieved a commanding 94% of the vote, a decisive victory over his competitors. Islamist candidate Abdelali Hassani Cherif received just 3%, while socialist candidate Youcef Aouchiche garnered 2.1%.
Despite the landslide victory, voter participation remained low, with fewer than six million out of 24 million eligible voters casting their ballots. This low turnout reflects ongoing public disinterest and skepticism about the political process, a trend that was also evident during Tebboune’s first term and has fueled questions about the extent of his support.
As Africa’s largest country by landmass and the second most populous nation on the continent after South Africa, Algeria’s election is notable in a year that will see over 50 presidential elections globally. This election comes amid criticism from both local activists and international organizations, including Amnesty International, which has condemned the restrictive political climate and the suppression of opposition voices. Critics argue that the election was more of a formality designed to maintain the existing political order rather than a genuine democratic exercise.
Throughout the campaign, Tebboune and his opponents made concerted efforts to appeal to Algeria’s youth, who face significant challenges such as high rates of poverty and unemployment. Each candidate focused on policies aimed at improving conditions for this crucial demographic, which represents a substantial portion of the country’s population.
