Algerian President Tebboune Declared Candidate for Second Term

 

Algerian President Tebboune Declared Candidate for Second Term

Five years after taking office as the military and establishment-backed candidate amid mass pro-democracy demonstrations, Algeria’s President announced on Thursday his intention to run for a second term. In an interview set to air on Algerian television, the 78-year-old political veteran Abdelmadjid Tebboune said his decision was in response to support from political parties and youth.

Highlighting his achievements and the gas-rich North African nation’s security and stability, he stated, “If the Algerian people want to vote for me, that’s fine, otherwise I’ll have accomplished my mission and whoever succeeds me will be welcomed.”

Tebboune had previously refrained from declaring his plans even nearly four months ago when the September 7 election date was set. Political analyst Rachid Grime noted that despite his reticence, his ambitions were “an open secret” and his candidacy emerged from discussions among the political elite.

In addition to Tebboune, 34 candidates have outlined their strategies for running in the election. So far, only three have gathered the required signatures to appear on the ballot: Sadia Naghzi of the General Confederation of Algerian Enterprises, Abdellah Hassan Cherif of the Islamist party Movement for Society and Peace, and Youcef Aouchiche of the Socialist Forces Front, Algeria’s largest opposition party. Candidates have until July 18 to gather signatures.

Re-election for a second term by Tebboune would strengthen the authority of Algeria’s political and military elite and further isolate the nation from the goals expressed by its “Hirak” movement, which organizes weekly street demonstrations that pressured the ailing octogenarian president, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, to resign in April 2019 after two decades in office.

Tebboune, a former prime minister under Bouteflika, won the 2019 election with low turnout, which was boycotted and denounced as a rushed affair meant to maintain the old government’s grip on power over the 45 million-person country.

The 2019 election marked a turning point in Algeria’s recent history, defined by widespread demonstrations and demands for major political transformation. Since then, Tebboune’s administration has attempted to stabilize the nation and uphold its security, while critics argue that the fundamental issues raised by the Hirak movement remain unresolved.

His decision to seek a second term underscores the ongoing conflict between Algerian opposition forces and the establishment. While Tebboune emphasizes consistency and continuity, opposition leaders and many citizens still demand more radical changes and a break from the long-dominant power structures in Algeria.

As the election approaches, Algeria’s political scene remains tense. The coming months will be crucial in determining the nation’s future direction and whether the goals of the Hirak movement will find a new path forward or if the status quo will prevail.