Algiers, Algeria. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has announced his intention to seek a second term, five years after taking office during pro-democracy protests as the military-backed candidate. The 78-year-old declared his decision in an interview, citing support from political parties and youth.
"If the Algerian people want to vote for me, that’s fine, otherwise I’ll have accomplished my mission and whoever succeeds me will be welcome," Tebboune said, highlighting his achievements and Algeria's stability.
Despite previously avoiding a clear declaration, Tebboune's intentions were widely expected. Political scientist Rachid Grime noted that his candidacy resulted from discussions among the political elite.
Besides Tebboune, 34 candidates have announced their candidacies. So far, only three have collected enough signatures to appear on the ballot: Youcef Aouchiche of the Socialist Forces Front, Abdellah Hassan Cherif of the Movement for Society and Peace, and Sadia Naghzi of the General Confederation of Algerian Enterprises. Candidates have until July 18 to gather signatures.
Tebboune's potential re-election could reinforce the power of Algeria's political and military elite, distancing the country from the aspirations of the “Hirak” movement, which led to the resignation of former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika in 2019. Tebboune, a former prime minister under Bouteflika, won the presidency in a low-turnout election that protesters boycotted, criticizing it as a means to sustain the old regime's control over the 45-million-strong nation.
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