Algeria's ruling National Liberation Front (FLN) secured the most seats in the parliamentary elections held on July 2, 2026, winning 90 out of 407 seats. The elections, however, were characterized by a historically low voter turnout, with only 21% of the 25 million electorate participating, as reported by the election board on Monday.
Record Low Voter Turnout in Algeria's Elections
The 2026 legislative elections witnessed a significant decline in voter engagement, echoing the 23% turnout from the 2021 elections, which were the first following the pro-democracy Hirak movement that began in 2019. This recent election's low turnout reflects widespread public apathy, exacerbated by the government's decision to disqualify over a third of prospective candidates.
Karim Khelfane, the interim head of the National Independent Elections Authority (ANIE), commented on the situation, stating that the high abstention rate is "not specific to Algeria" and praised the elections for their transparency. The disqualification of numerous candidates has raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
Impact of the Hirak Movement on Algerian Politics
The Hirak movement, which began in February 2019, played a crucial role in reshaping Algeria's political landscape, leading to the resignation of long-time president Abdelaziz Bouteflika. The protests that characterized this movement were largely stifled in 2020 due to government restrictions and the Covid-19 pandemic.
