Algeria at a crossroads: Voters face choice between continuity and change in presidential election

Incumbent President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, 78, is seen as the frontrunner in a race against two challengers, each presenting starkly different visions for the country.

In this early presidential election, voters will choose from three main candidates: the sitting president Abdelmadjid Tebboune, supported by a strong political coalition; Youssef Aouchiche of the Socialist Forces Front (FFS); and Hassani Cherif Abdelali of the Movement for the Society of Peace (MSP).

Tebboune, widely considered the favourite, has garnered the backing of Algeria’s dominant political parties, including the National Liberation Front, the National Democratic Rally, the Future Front, and the El Binaa Movement.

This coalition holds a significant 243 seats in the National People’s Assembly, reinforcing his position as the candidate of continuity.

Challenging Tebboune is Youssef Aouchiche, who represents the democratic and progressive stance of the FFS, one of Algeria’s historic opposition parties.

Aouchiche aims to revive political engagement after the party’s first presidential bid in 1999, presenting himself as a reformist voice amid calls for political renewal.

Hassani Cherif Abdelali, leader of the MSP, stands as the principal figure of the Islamist camp, despite internal divisions within his movement.

The campaign, which began on August 15, has been notably calmer than the tumultuous 2019 elections, which were marked by a high abstention rate of 62%.

Candidates have primarily relied on public rallies to outline their platforms, with no televised debates scheduled.

Tebboune’s campaign centres on continuity, pledging economic reforms aimed at boosting GDP to $400 billion, creating jobs, and curbing inflation.

In contrast, Aouchiche advocates for increasing the minimum wage, introducing a basic income for vulnerable groups, and transitioning to a semi-presidential system. Cherif’s platform focuses on economic growth and constitutional reforms.

Voter turnout will be a key indicator of public engagement and response to promises of change, as Algeria grapples with widespread aspirations for political and economic renewal.