In the Algerian presidential election, incumbent Abdelmadjid Tebboune, 78, is expected to win against moderate Abdelaali Hassani and socialist candidate Youcef Aouchiche. Despite low support for his opponents, Tebboune aims to increase voter turnout after a record abstention rate in 2019 following the Hirak pro-democracy protests. The president seeks to build on economic successes from his first term, promising more jobs and higher wages in the country, which is Africa’s largest exporter of natural gas.
With over 850,000 Algerians living abroad eligible to vote, the candidates are focusing on young voters by pledging to improve living standards and reduce reliance on hydrocarbons. Aouchiche plans to release prisoners of conscience and review laws on media and terrorism, while Hassani advocates for restoring freedoms diminished in recent years.
Political analyst Hasni Abidi notes the lack of political and media freedoms in Algeria and the public’s disengagement from politics post-Hirak protests. Amnesty International highlights the Algerian government’s intolerance toward dissenting opinions.
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