Algerian Polls Close As President Tebboune Expected To Secure Second Term

Voting stations across Algeria closed Saturday night, with an hour’s extension granted for the presidential election, where incumbent President Abdelmadjid Tebboune is widely expected to win a second term. Tebboune, 78, is the favorite, competing against moderate Islamist Abdelaali Hassani and socialist Youcef Aouchiche.

Extended Voting and Low Turnout

The Algerian electoral authority (ANIE) extended voting nationwide by one hour, with polls closing at 8:00 pm. As of 5:00 pm, voter turnout was reported at 26%, lower than the 33% recorded at the same time in the 2019 elections. This year’s election, however, still faces the challenge of improving on the historic low turnout of just over 60% from 2019.

Calls for Higher Participation

Both of Tebboune’s challengers urged citizens to participate in the election. Aouchiche, speaking on national television, encouraged people to vote for a better future, while Hassani emphasized that a strong voter turnout would add credibility to the election. ANIE will announce the final turnout at 9:30 pm.

Tebboune’s Vision for the Future

After casting his vote in Algiers, Tebboune avoided commenting on the low turnout but stressed the importance of “Algeria winning” regardless of the results. He referred to his vision of a “New Algeria,” which emerged after mass pro-democracy protests in recent years.

Opposition Struggles

Tebboune’s opponents faced significant challenges, with political commentators like Mohamed Hennad describing the election conditions as unfavorable. The aftermath of the Hirak protests, which toppled former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika, still lingers, and Algerians seem disillusioned with the current political landscape.

Economic and Social Promises

Tebboune highlighted his economic achievements, including job creation and wage increases, in Africa’s largest natural gas exporter. Meanwhile, his challengers focused on promises of greater freedoms and reforms. Aouchiche has vowed to release political prisoners, while Hassani advocates restoring the civil liberties that have diminished in recent years.

With the final results expected soon, Algerians and international observers await the outcome.