Algeria holds snap presidential election with three candidates in the race

Algerians have begun voting in an early presidential election, with polling stations opening early morning, on September 7.

Voting will proceed until 1800 GMT with a potential extension of up to one hour if necessary, as determined by the election authority, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

Over 23.4 million Algerians are registered to vote domestically, while more than 865,000 Algerians abroad have already started casting their ballots.

The election features three candidates: incumbent President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Abdelaali Hassani Cherif of the Movement of Society for Peace, and socialist candidate Youcef Aouchiche.

The Independent National Election Authority, established in 2019 to replace public authorities and ensure electoral integrity, is overseeing the election.

President Tebboune, 78, who advanced the election from December to March 21 for “technical reasons,” is running as an independent. He positions himself as a representative of all Algerians, especially the youth, middle class, and disadvantaged. Tebboune, a graduate of the National School of Administration with experience in high-level Interior Ministry positions and as prime minister in 2017, won the 2019 election with 58 per cent of the vote. His campaign focuses on economic and social revitalization, with goals including a $400 billion GDP by 2027 and the construction of 2 million housing units. He is supported by several parties, including those in the parliamentary majority.

Abdelaali Hassani Cherif, 58, leads the Movement of Society for Peace, Algeria's largest Islamic party with connections to the Muslim Brotherhood. Cherif, an engineer and former journalist elected party president in 2023, advocates for deep constitutional reforms, expanded parliamentary powers, and a vision of Algeria as a “central state” in the future. He has the backing of Islamic factions like the Renaissance Party.

Youcef Aouchiche, 42, represents the leftist opposition as the First Secretary of the Socialist Forces Front, Algeria's oldest opposition party, founded in 1963. Aouchiche, a political science graduate and former journalist, campaigns for constitutional reforms to enhance freedoms, decentralize power, and increase salaries and wages. His platform also includes dissolving parliament and holding legislative elections in early 2025.

Despite their differing political views, all candidates highlight the significance of the Nov. 1, 1954, Declaration, which marked the beginning of Algeria's revolution against French colonial rule, as a cornerstone of their campaigns. They also emphasize strong support for the Palestinian cause and aim to bolster Algeria's international standing.

Voter participation is strongly encouraged by all three candidates. The election has seen stringent judicial actions against illegal activities, with the Algiers Court recently detaining 68 individuals involved in a bribery scandal and placing three candidates under judicial supervision for violating election laws.

In addition to domestic voting, more than 865,000 Algerians abroad began voting earlier, and mobile polling stations have been set up for nomadic voters, with 116,064 registered across 134 voting offices.