Algerians Vote in Parliamentary Elections

Algerians are voting Thursday to fill 407 seats in the lower house of parliament. Nearly 25 million registered voters will select from 1,235 candidates who will serve five-year terms. The government declared Thursday a paid national holiday to encourage participation. Campaign events drew limited attendance, and turnout is viewed as a key indicator of public engagement.

Many voters cite purchasing power, inflation, and public services as primary concerns. The outgoing pro-government bloc holds roughly 300 seats, while the Movement of Society for Peace holds 64. Authorities barred 269 candidates, including some from the Movement of Society for Peace and former Hirak movement figures, citing links to illicit financial networks and suspicious political activities.

Rights groups have stated that political space for opposition, independent media, and unions has narrowed since 2019. Voting in southern regions and among the diaspora occurred earlier. Approximately 854,225 citizens registered to vote abroad, with polling held at consular offices on Saturday and Sunday.

Security personnel were positioned outside polling stations in Algiers on Wednesday. In the south and Sahara, ballot boxes were transported by administrative vehicles and escorted by police to accommodate nomadic communities. School exams were moved forward so classrooms could serve as polling stations, with teachers staffing them for a daily allowance.

Parties conducted smaller meetings in markets and cafes after larger venues saw low attendance.