Algerians voted in an election to decide if President Abdelmadjid Tebboune will secure another term, following pro-democracy protests that ousted the previous president in 2019. Despite low turnout of 48% in Algeria and 19.6% abroad, Tebboune is expected to win. The campaign was marked by apathy due to living costs and drought. Many remain unconvinced about the elections bringing change, with activists and international organizations criticizing the prosecution of opposition groups. Two challengers, Abdelali Hassani Cherif and Youcef Aouchiche, focused on youth and a vision for the future, risking backlash for participating in a contested election. Critics see the election as a rubber stamp exercise perpetuating the status quo. The challengers aim to build support for the 2025 legislative elections rather than this presidential contest. Still, they emphasized participation in the hope of changing Algeria’s political landscape. The results remain to be finalized, with Tebboune seeking to legitimize his rule and boost voter turnout compared to his first election. The future of Algeria’s democracy remains uncertain, with tensions persisting between the regime and opposition groups.
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