Algeria: Pres. Tebboune Re-Elected With 95% Vote
The Facts
Algeria's election commission Sunday declared Abdelmadjid Tebboune re-elected as President of the country, winning 95% of the votes polled on Saturday.
The results reportedly showed Tebboune's main rivals Abdelaali Hassani Cherif and Youcef Aouchiche winning 3% and 2% of the votes, respectively.
The Spin
Pres. Tebboune's re-election promises a period of stability for Algeria, allowing the government to address deeper issues. His increased popular support, bolstered by expanded social spending from oil and gas revenues, suggests a mandate for continuity. The backing of major political parties, unions, and the security apparatus ensures a strong foundation for governance. While the election process raises questions, Tebboune's experience and established relationships within the system position him to navigate Algeria's complex political landscape. This will potentially pave the way for gradual reforms.
Algerian democracy has become a farce, with Pres. Tebboune's reelection revealing the system’s true nature. Despite promises of reform, Tebboune, a regime insider, has merely upheld the old guard's power. The election, hastily moved to September, was a sham; Tebboune's victory was guaranteed by military backing. Opposition candidates are little more than window dressing in a political landscape marked by repression, economic stagnation, and mass disillusionment. As Algerians increasingly turn away from a system that betrays them, the dream of genuine democracy remains distant.
