Algeria’s President Abdulmadjid Tebboune is set for re-election on Saturday, facing minimal competition. Benefiting from increased gas revenues, Tebboune has bolstered his standing by expanding social benefits, making his victory all but assured.
The president, backed by the military establishment, will compete against two candidates—one from the moderate Islamist camp and another from the secular opposition. Neither has mounted a serious challenge, and Tebboune’s re-election is expected to continue policies that focus on energy exports and limited economic reforms, while maintaining strong government subsidies.
Voter turnout is a key factor this year, with many recalling the 40% participation in the 2019 election, held amid the mass “Hirak” protests that ousted longtime leader Abdelaziz Bouteflika. The protests were driven by frustrations over corruption and the entrenched political elite.
In the capital Algiers, Naima Belgacem, who receives a monthly unemployment benefit introduced by Tebboune, said she plans to vote. “It’s not a huge amount, but it helps cover my expenses,” said Belgacem. Unemployment in Algeria has dropped slightly to 12.25%, and Tebboune has pledged to raise benefits and create more jobs.
Algeria has also invested heavily in social housing, with new apartment blocks rising across the suburbs of Algiers. The government’s spending on public projects has been enabled by higher energy revenues, though the International Monetary Fund has warned that such high spending could leave the economy vulnerable to shocks.
Polls will open at 8 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. local time.
