Algeria’s Presidential Election: Key Candidates

Friday 06 September 2024 - 13:30

Algeria heads to the polls this Saturday for a presidential election where the primary focus will not only be on the expected re-election of incumbent President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, but also on voter turnout. The country’s 24.5 million registered voters are being urged to make their voices heard, amid concerns of political disengagement.

In 2019, when Tebboune was first elected, voter turnout stood at just 40 percent, largely due to a boycott by the Hirak protest movement, which had been dominating Algeria’s streets since February of that year. Despite the low turnout, Tebboune secured around five million votes, equivalent to about 60 percent of those cast.

This time around, the authorities are aiming to boost participation, with all three candidates emphasizing the importance of voting. However, reports indicate that campaign enthusiasm remains muted, with blank billboards and a general lack of public excitement.

Here’s a closer look at the three candidates in the race:

Abdelmadjid Tebboune

Independent (formerly with the National Liberation Front, FLN)
Age: 78

Tebboune has held various key positions in Algeria’s government, serving twice as Minister of Housing and briefly as Prime Minister in 2017 under then-President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. His tenure as Prime Minister was short-lived, as he was dismissed after only three months. Sources suggest that his anti-corruption reforms clashed with the interests of Algeria’s powerful business elite, often referred to as “le pouvoir.”

In the 2019 election, Tebboune campaigned as an outsider, having distanced himself from the FLN, a party many protestors viewed with deep mistrust. His platform included promises of reform, but public enthusiasm appears tepid ahead of this year’s vote.

Abdelaali Hassani Cherif

Movement of Society for Peace (MSP)
Age: 57

A long-time member of the Movement of Society for Peace (MSP), a centrist Islamist party, Hassani Cherif has emphasized the need for political, social, and economic reforms. He represented the region of M’Sila on the regional assembly from 2002 to 2007, then served in Algeria’s lower house of Parliament, the People’s National Assembly, until 2012.

In recent years, Hassani Cherif has focused on modernizing the MSP and strengthening its political reach. Elected as party president in 2023, he has positioned himself as a candidate for change, calling the election an “opportunity for reform.”

Youcef Aouchiche

Party: Socialist Forces Front (FFS)
Age: 41

The youngest candidate in the race, Aouchiche brings a fresh perspective to the election. He has been involved in politics since his university days, joining the Socialist Forces Front (FFS) at the age of 19. Aouchiche has a background in journalism and served as a parliamentary attaché before successfully running for local office in 2017.

As the current first national secretary of the FFS, Aouchiche is known for advocating for marginalized groups and has laid out an ambitious political agenda. His campaign has focused on reaching out to all sectors of society, promising to defend the interests of Algeria’s diverse social categories.

Voter Sentiment and Challenges Ahead

Although each candidate brings a distinct vision for Algeria’s future, the biggest challenge remains voter turnout. Low enthusiasm for the election and widespread apathy may again affect participation rates. Billboards across the country remain conspicuously empty, and reports suggest that the public remains largely disengaged.

The outcome of the election may hinge not only on the policies and promises of the candidates but also on the willingness of Algerians to cast their votes. Regardless of the results, the country’s political landscape remains complex, and the path forward will require navigating deep divisions and lingering discontent.