Algeria Elections 2024: Know the presidential candidates

Source: France 24

About 24 million registered voters out of the 45 million people in Algeria are eligible to vote in the country’s highly anticipated election scheduled for Saturday, 7 September 2024. Campaign activities ended on Tuesday, September 3, three days before the election.

Out of the sixteen people who initially filed their nominations to contest, only three were given the green light by the country’s election management body, the National Independent Authority for Elections (ANIE). The other thirteen candidates were disqualified, as they were not able to obtain the required number of signatures or endorsements to support their candidacy, according to ANIE.

This article examines the background of the three candidates, their campaign messages, as well as who is likely to win the presidential election.

Abdelmajid Tebboune

Abdelmajid Tebboune, 78, is the incumbent president of Algeria and an independent candidate. He came to power in  in 2019 after securing 58% of the votes in an election that recorded low turnout, amidst widespread pro-democracy protests.

Tebboune's political career spans several decades. He first assumed public office as Deputy Minister for Local Government in 1991 and went on to serve as Minister of Communication.

Under his  tenure, the claims to have restored the country’s economy, tackled corruption by imprisoning key figures from the previous regime, and boosted the country’s position as Africa's top natural gas exporter.

 However, his presidency faces criticism for human rights abuses, including cracking down on dissent, banning protests, and maintaining military influence in politics.

His main campaign theme for this year election is “completion of the new Algeria”. He has pledged to advance the country’s economy  through diversifying its revenue generation beyond gas export.

Abdelali Hassani Cherif

Abdelali Hassani Cherif, 58, is an engineer by profession. He is the presidential candidate for the Movement of Society for Peace (MSP) in the upcoming elections. He began his political career as Vice President of the Provincial People’s Assembly (APW) of M’Sila from 2002 to 2007. He then served as a member of the Algerian National People’s Assembly from 2007 to 2012. On March 8, 2023, Abdelali Hassani Cherif was elected President of the Movement of Society for Peace.

His campaign theme for the 2024 election is titled “opportunity” which encompasses five priorities areas, including political reforms, social support and housing policies, free and sustainable economy, enhancing Algeria's international influence and defense capabilities, and promoting university competitiveness while revitalizing the reformative role of mosques.

Youcef Aouchiche

Youcef Aouchiche, 41, a journalist by profession, is  the presidential candidate for the Socialist Forces Front (FFS). Between 2012 and 2017, he served as Parliamentary Assistant, and  was elected as the president of the Provincial People’s Assembly (APW) of Tizi Ouzou between 2017 to 2021.

According to Aouchiche’s campaign, he intends to champion a transformative economy and social reforms by involving the  Algerian diaspora into national development efforts.

Who is likely to win the elections?

The outcome of the election is quite predictable, with the incumbent president Abdelmadjid Tebboune widely expected  to win a second term, following his massive support from major political parties and civil society organizations.

Follow the Algeria Presidential Election on Twitter and Facebook on @Africanelection