International media reports indicate that following President Abdelmadjid Tebboune's announcement of his candidacy for a second term, he is seen as the frontrunner in the upcoming Algerian presidential elections. This assessment is based on the lack of strong contenders and the anticipated low voter turnout due to the early scheduling of the elections.
According to Bloomberg, the Algerian elections, scheduled for September 7, three months ahead of their original date, are likely to see low voter turnout. The timing coincides with the summer season, and the absence of a strong opposition has further dampened public enthusiasm, leading to widespread discontent.
Bloomberg quotes Riccardo Fabiani, North Africa Project Director at the International Crisis Group, stating that the early elections are likely a tactic to thwart any serious challenges from opposition candidates and prevent potential maneuvering by military factions. Tebboune is thus expected to secure victory.
Observers of Algerian and Moroccan affairs suggest that Tebboune's continued presidency would sustain Algeria's antagonistic stance towards Morocco, a cornerstone of its foreign policy. Political analyst and university professor Omar Cherkaoui told Assahifa that Tebboune’s candidacy was anticipated as it aligns with the agenda of Algeria's deep state and its regional expansionist policies while safeguarding military leaders' interests.
Cherkaoui further emphasized that Tebboune's role as a civilian president is crucial for legitimizing the ruling system. He dismissed the likelihood of any shifts in Algeria's foreign policy, especially regarding Morocco, as the prevailing dynamics do not suggest any imminent change.
A recent Reuters report, citing observers and human rights groups, raised concerns about the integrity of the upcoming elections, hinting that the Algerian regime might manipulate the results.
Osman Maazouz, leader of the opposition party "Rally for Culture and Democracy" (RCD), announced the party's withdrawal from the electoral race scheduled for September 7. Maazouz cited "closed political climate" and restrictions on electoral competition as reasons for the decision.
In statements reported by "Asharq Al-Awsat," Maazouz mentioned multiple justifications leading to the party’s consensus not to field or support any candidate in the forthcoming elections. He described the elections as the most restrictive since the inception of multi-party politics in Algeria, with media constraints undermining genuine electoral competition. Consequently, he argued that participating or supporting any candidate under such conditions would merely contribute to the erosion of the Algerian people's sovereignty.
