Over 24 Million Algerians Head to The Polls to Elect a New President
Key electoral battle pits three candidates against each other, marking a decisive moment for Algeria's political future
This Saturday, more than 24 million registered Algerian voters are expected to fulfill their civic duty by casting ballots to elect the next President of the Republic, with the winner set to serve a five-year term.
This presidential election is a critical event for Algeria, which continues to navigate significant political, economic, and social challenges.
The presidential race sees three candidates vying for the top office: Youcef Aouchiche, representing the Socialist Forces Front (FFS), Abdelmadjid Tebboune, an independent candidate, and Abdelaali Hassani Cherif, the candidate for the Movement of Society for Peace (MSP). Each contender brings distinct political visions and promises, contributing to what is widely seen as a pivotal moment for the country’s future trajectory.
According to figures provided by the National Independent Authority for Elections (ANIE), a total of 24,351,551 voters are registered for this election. Of this number, 23,486,061 reside within Algeria, with a demographic breakdown of 47% female voters and 53% male voters. Interestingly, a significant portion of the electorate—36%—is under the age of 40, highlighting the role of youth in shaping the nation’s future political landscape.
Overseas Voting Already Underway
The electoral process for the Algerian diaspora began earlier this week, with 865,490 eligible voters participating in the overseas voting process. The demographic profile of expatriate voters shows 45% female and 55% male participation, with 15.43% of this group under the age of 40. The ANIE has established 117 electoral committees abroad to facilitate voting. These committees are spread across several regions, including 18 in France, 30 in other European countries, 22 in Arab states, 21 in African nations, and 26 in Asia and the Americas.
Special Arrangements for Remote Voters
In addition to the standard polling stations, special provisions have been made for nomadic populations and residents of remote areas in southern Algeria. Mobile polling stations began operating last Wednesday to ensure that the 116,064 registered voters in these regions are able to participate. These mobile polling units are distributed across 134 stations located in 51 municipalities within 16 provinces, ensuring that even the most isolated communities have access to the voting process.
