ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Algeria’s parliamentary elections, held on July 2, 2026, have been characterized by a notably low voter turnout and the exclusion of key candidates, casting a shadow over the electoral process and raising questions about the country’s political landscape.
The ruling National Liberation Movement (FLN) is expected to maintain its dominance in the 407-seat National People’s Assembly, but the elections have been overshadowed by the absence of candidates critical of the government, including former leaders and activists of the Hirak pro-democracy movement. Despite the government declaring the election day a paid national holiday to boost participation, polling stations remained largely quiet throughout the day.
The low voter turnout, reported to be very low, follows a campaign season that drew limited public interest, with rights groups citing shrinking political freedoms as a contributing factor. Approximately 269 candidates, including some from the MSP and Hirak, were barred from running, a move that sparked controversy and fueled concerns about the fairness of the elections.
The authorities justified the exclusions by citing alleged links to illicit financial networks and suspicious political activities. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who came to power in 2019 following mass protests that led to the resignation of Abdelaziz Bouteflika, presented the polls as a step towards renewing Algeria’s political institutions.
However, many observers anticipate that there will be no significant change in power or the political system. Human rights groups have also raised concerns over restrictions on opposition activity, the independent media, and civil society.
The ruling FLN currently holds around 300 seats in the parliament, with the MSP holding 64 seats.
The election results and the final composition of the National People’s Assembly are yet to be announced.
The international community’s response to the election outcomes and the process remains to be seen, with questions lingering about the integrity of the electoral process and the future of political reforms in Algeria.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
—
This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africanews
Source: Rédaction Africanews
