President Tebboune re-elected in Algeria with 95% of the vote

ALGIERS,— Algerian authorities have announced President Abdelmadjid Tebboune as the winner of Saturday’s presidential election, securing 95% of the vote and thereby avoiding a run-off. However, the result has been marred by allegations of irregularities and a low voter turnout.

The preliminary results show Tebboune with a commanding lead, while his challengers—Abdelaali Hassani Cherif and Youcef Aouchiche—received 3% and 2% of the vote respectively. Voter turnout was reported at just 48%.

Hassani Cherif’s campaign has raised concerns about the integrity of the election process. They accuse polling station officials of being coerced into inflating results and cite problems such as missing vote-sorting records and proxy voting.

Ahmed Sadok, a spokesperson for Hassani Cherif, called the election a “farce” and claimed their candidate had received significantly more votes than reported. Attempts to verify these claims or obtain comments from Tebboune’s or Aouchiche’s campaigns have so far been unsuccessful.

Mohammed Charfi, head of the electoral commission, defended the process, asserting that every effort was made to ensure transparency and fair competition. Despite this, a joint statement issued late Sunday by three presidential candidates, including Tebboune and Cherif, criticized the provisional results, citing inconsistencies and unclear data.

Tebboune’s re-election suggests continuity in Algeria’s governance, with an emphasis on social spending funded by increased energy revenues. Since taking office in 2019, Tebboune has promised and implemented raises in unemployment benefits, pensions, and public housing.

Ali, a resident of Algiers, expressed support for Tebboune’s policies, noting that his administration’s financial support for citizens was valued.

Elected in 2019 amidst widespread protests demanding an end to corruption and the ruling elite’s departure, Tebboune’s first term saw a notable decline in voter turnout, reflecting public discontent.

The protests, which had drawn hundreds of thousands to the streets, were eventually subdued by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The current low turnout of 48% highlights ongoing skepticism among voters. Slimane, a 24-year-old from Algiers, chose not to vote, citing distrust in politicians as a reason.

The global surge in demand for Algerian gas following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has boosted the country’s energy revenues, which have been partly allocated to social programs.

However, despite economic reforms aimed at bolstering the private sector and reducing unemployment, challenges remain, with unemployment still above 12% and inflation high.

Political analyst Farid Ferrari remarked that the turnout increase from 40% in 2019 to 48% this year underscores the persistent gap between Algeria’s rulers and the general populace.

On the international stage, Tebboune’s foreign policy record is mixed. Algeria’s strategic role as a gas supplier has not translated into diplomatic success in other areas.

Morocco’s recent achievements in gaining international support for its sovereignty over Western Sahara and its successful bid for BRICS membership, at Algeria’s expense, highlight regional rivalries. Algeria’s attempts to mediate conflicts in the Sahel region, particularly in Niger, have also faced setbacks.

Despite these challenges, Algeria remains a significant military power in the region, maintaining a traditional balance in its relations with Western and Russian interests.

(With files from Reuters)