Algerians vote in parliamentary elections with low turnout amid candidate disqualifications

Algerians voted on Thursday for a new parliament in elections overshadowed by concerns regarding voter turnout. The elections took place amid a campaign marked by low attendance at official events and the disqualification of 269 candidates from the 407-seat lower house of parliament.

Low Voter Turnout Concerns

Polling stations opened at 8am local time (0700 GMT) and were set to close at 7pm. By early afternoon, polling stations in the capital, Algiers, were reported to be nearly empty, according to an AFP journalist. However, national television broadcast images of voters queuing in other regions, such as the northwestern province of El Aricha.

As of mid-afternoon, voter turnout was reported at just 11 percent nationwide, with nearly 10 percent among those registered to vote overseas, as stated by state TV citing the electoral authority. This follows the historic low of 23 percent turnout in the last parliamentary election held in 2021.

Controversy Surrounding Candidate Disqualifications

This year's elections have been marred by controversy, as the government barred roughly a third of potential candidates from participating. Many hopefuls claimed they were blocked from competing in significant constituencies, including the capital city, Algiers. The ruling National Liberation Movement (FLN) is expected to maintain dominance in the National People's Assembly, whose members serve five-year terms.

President Abdelmajid Tebboune commented that the election was proceeding as anticipated, according to the state-run APS agency. In a bid to encourage participation, Prime Minister Said Sayoud urged citizens to vote, stating, "I call upon Algerian men and women to turn out in large numbers to vote," as reported by news website TSA.

The Impact of the Hirak Movement

The backdrop of these elections is the Hirak movement, which emerged in February 2019 and led to the resignation of former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika two months later. Tebboune was elected later that year and secured a second term in 2024. Observers have noted a lack of enthusiasm among voters, with local media highlighting the challenge of encouraging high turnout during the campaign.

With the last election reflecting a significant political shift, the government faces pressure to engage citizens in the democratic process. The results of this election will be closely monitored, as they could indicate the future political landscape of Algeria.