As Algerians prepare to vote in a presidential election, analysts are not expecting major changes. Only two out of 15 candidates have met the requirements to run against incumbent President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. Both candidates, Abdelaali Hassani Cherif and Youcef Aouchiche, are not expected to pose a significant challenge to the current president, according to experts.
Under Tebboune’s presidency, Algeria’s economy has shown improvement, with energy prices rebounding and foreign currency influx from energy exports. However, despite the apparent popularity of the president, concerns remain about his mandate, as turnout in the previous election was low. The president is also facing potential challenges from factions within his support base, particularly the army.
The president’s tenure has been marked by a crackdown on dissent, particularly in response to the Hirak protests that erupted in 2019. Human rights organizations have criticized the government for targeting dissenting voices and cracking down on protesters and journalists. The upcoming election is seen as a way for Tebboune to solidify his grip on power and prevent another uprising like the Hirak from occurring.
As Algeria prepares for the election, the focus remains on whether Tebboune will secure a strong mandate and how he will handle potential challenges from within his support base. The outcome of the election will likely determine the future direction of Algeria and its political landscape.
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