Algerians are set to boycott the June 12 legislative elections as political tensions between the government and opposition groups continue in the North African country. Many in Algeria see the elections as a way for the government and military to exert further control and continue its repression of opposition movements.
Several rights groups in Algeria alleged that the Algerian government, which is led by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, is responsible for “escalating repression” against dissenting groups in the country. “By resorting to intensified repression [...] the regime highlights the failure of its political roadmap and its inability to bring about a solution to the crisis gripping the country,” an Algerian rights activist told Agence France-Presse last month.
About 800 protestors who were part of the pro-democracy Hirak movement were arrested in Algeria last month by government officials for participating in unauthorised protests. In May, the Algerian interior ministry announced that it would ban unauthorised demonstrations in the country, a move which many say is aimed at ending a two-year-long protest movement that seeks to bring in democratic reforms.
In February 2019, widespread protests erupted throughout Algeria as then-President Abdelaziz Bouteflika announced his candidacy for a fifth term, after almost 20 years in power. The protests, known as the Hirak movement, were successful in ousting Bouteflika from power. Bouteflika’s regime was plagued by deep-rooted corruption and was known for its suppression of freedom of speech.
However, Bouteflika was succeeded by his former Prime Minister Tebboune in 2019, who has largely continued the political repression and prevented reforms from taking place. Consequently, the Hirak movement rejected the upcoming vote and called for a boycott of the election.
The government, on the other hand, said that the Hirak movement has been infiltrated by terrorists. In March, an Algerian court issued arrest warrants for several exiled activists. This list featured former diplomat Mohamed Larbi Zeitout, who founded the outlawed political movement, Rachad, in 2007 and is accused of funding the “terrorist group” Islamic Salvation Front (FIS). The Algerian government and other activists have accused Rachad of using FIS fighters to turn the peaceful pro-democracy Hirak movement into a violent one. Two months after the court issued arrest warrants against Zeitout, the Algerian government labelled Rachad as a terrorist organisation.
In this context, Algerian army chief Said Chengriha, on Tuesday, called on all parties to block plans to disrupt the election. “All senior leaders must be strict in implementing the instructions and directives issued by the supreme leadership and ensure the failure of any scheme or action aimed at disrupting or affecting the course of this election,” Chengriha said. This, he said, was to ensure the “secure and smooth running” of the election.
Furthermore, political parties contesting the June 12 vote have urged voters to vote in large numbers in order to make the elections successful and complete the process of building state institutions. Yazid Benaicha, secretary-general of the Ennahda party, said that the “Algerian people who want change are, today, in front of an important event that may contribute to the building process of a modern State, founded on democracy and social justice.”
Yet, despite the calls for political participation, Algerians largely believe that the election would only further the political interests of the regime at the expense of the people’s concerns, which include bringing in economic and political reforms.
Algerians Set to Boycott Upcoming Elections Amid Political Crisis
Algerian army chief Said Chengriha has called on all parties to block plans to disrupt the election.
June 3, 2021
SOURCE: TOUFIK DOUDOU/ASSOCIATED PRESS