By MondAfrique: The three candidates in the Algerian presidential election, including President Tebboune, who was re-elected last Saturday with 94.65% of the vote, have accused the National Independent Election Authority (ANIE) of “irregularities” and “contradictions.” They did so in a joint statement, which is unprecedented.
ANIE’s president, Mohamed Charfi, clearly overstepped. Against all credibility, this supposed guarantor of electoral integrity announced a 48.03% voter turnout, while the reality is closer to 25%, a record level of abstention, significantly higher than the 40% seen in the December 2019 presidential election. His calculations to justify this result were so grossly inaccurate that even President Tebboune, despite being re-elected, felt compelled to denounce “irregularities” in certain results—an act echoed by the two other candidates from the Islamist and Kabyle factions.
One certainty is that those close to Abdelmadjid Tebboune did not anticipate the sheer magnitude of abstention, which weakens the Algerian president at the outset of what promises to be a challenging second term. His maneuvering room in the face of an ever-present military institution is now compromised.
Nevertheless, the Algerian presidency can be credited with refusing to endorse ANIE’s blatant manipulations. These manipulations have only served to discredit the government in the eyes of Algeria’s youth, once energized by the Hirak protests and now silenced.
Islamist candidate files complaint
MSP candidate Abdelaali Hassani Cherif, who reportedly secured only 3.17% of the vote, has decided to take action. The two defeated candidates have not hesitated to speak of “outright fraud.” After denouncing the results declared by ANIE, Abdelaali Hassani Cherif, candidate of the Movement of Society for Peace (MSP), a legal Islamist party, formally filed an appeal with the Constitutional Court on Tuesday.
In an official reception, Hassani Cherif was received by the Court’s president, Omar Belhadj. The two held a discussion, during which Hassani Cherif reaffirmed his resolve to “recover every uncounted vote.” His words echo the discontent felt by a large part of Algerian public opinion.
Credited with only 3.17% of the vote by ANIE, Hassani Cherif denounced “ballot-stuffing” and criticized the announced voter turnout, which was reported to average 48%, calling it “entirely fictitious.” He reiterated his intent to file an appeal with the Constitutional Court to defend his rights. According to him, “these results damage not only the country but also its reputation.”
Furthermore, the Movement of Society for Peace (MSP) is not the only group raising concerns, according to “Algérie 360.” Other parties have also voiced doubts and disagreements over the conduct of the election. The next steps in this challenge are expected to be closely watched by both political actors and the public.
By MondAfrique
