Algeria’s 2024 elections: All you need to know 

The election features two challengers to incumbent President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and comes amid significant political and social tensions.

So far, there have been reports of human rights and media suppression in several parts of the country under the leadership of President Tebboune. 

Who are the candidates?

There are three presidential candidates in this election. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, running as an independent, seeks re-election after winning a controversial vote in 2019. His main challengers include Youcef Aouchiche, the 41-year-old candidate from the Socialist Forces Front (FFS), and Abdelaali Hassani Cherif, leader of the Movement for Society for Peace (MSP), an Islamic political party aligned with the Muslim Brotherhood. 

Tebboune has promised to continue building a "new Algeria," with backing from the military and major trade unions, while his opponents push for change, citing dissatisfaction with his leadership.

Government Structure and Electoral System

Algeria is a multiparty republic where the president, elected by popular vote, serves a five-year term. The president holds significant power, including appointing the prime minister and cabinet members. Algeria’s electoral system includes different methods for presidential, parliamentary, and local elections. 

Voters will elect the president through an absolute majority vote, possibly requiring two rounds if no candidate wins outright in the first round.

Early Voting and Election Day

While the main election day is September 7, early voting began on September 2 for Algeria’s nomadic populations and citizens in remote southern areas. Algeria’s overseas diaspora has also been voting since Monday.

Human Rights and Media Blackout

The lead-up to the election has been marked by restrictions on media and civic freedoms. A media blackout has been in place since Wednesday, with no campaign coverage allowed. 

Amnesty International has expressed concerns over Algeria’s ongoing crackdown on human rights, including restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

“In recent years Algeria has experienced a steady erosion of human rights through the authorities’ dissolution of political parties, civil society organizations and independent media outlets, alongside a spike in arbitrary arrests and prosecutions using trumped-up terrorism charges. Alarmingly, this reality has remained bleak in the run-up to the elections,” said Amjad Yamin, Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa. 

2019 Election and Protests

Tebboune’s 2019 victory was marred by protests and a low voter turnout of 40%. Many Algerians were dissatisfied with the election results, viewing Tebboune as a continuation of the regime of former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. Protests erupted in the capital, Algiers, with demonstrators calling for greater political change. 

Eligibility to Vote

All Algerian nationals aged 18 or older who fully enjoy their civil and political rights are eligible to participate in the election.