Algeria’s Uncertain Future: Tebboune’s Expected Win Overshadowed by Economic and Social Anxieties
Amidst a backdrop of economic uncertainty and social unrest, Algeria’s presidential election sees incumbent Abdelmadjid Tebboune poised for victory. However, the air is thick with questions about the country’s future, as citizens grapple with rising living costs and a desire for political reform.
On Saturday, polling stations across Algeria opened their doors for the early presidential election. Three candidates are vying for the top job: the incumbent and frontrunner, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, alongside Abdelali Hassani Chérif, and Youssef Ousheesh. Over 24 million eligible voters are registered across more than 61,000 polling stations, according to the Independent National Authority for Elections.
While Tebboune’s victory is widely anticipated, the election unfolds against a complex backdrop. Algeria, like many nations, is grappling with the economic aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic and the global energy crisis. Inflation has soared, impacting the daily lives of millions. The World Bank estimates that Algeria’s inflation rate reached a staggering 10.2% in 2022, highlighting the economic pressures faced by ordinary citizens.
Beyond the economic anxieties, there’s a palpable thirst for political change. The Hirak protest movement, which first erupted in 2019, demonstrated the widespread desire for greater transparency, accountability, and democratic participation. While the movement has since subsided, the underlying issues that fueled it remain largely unaddressed.
This election, therefore, represents a pivotal moment for Algeria. Will Tebboune, if victorious, acknowledge and address the economic and social anxieties gripping the nation? Can he bridge the trust gap between the government and the people?
The world watches as Algeria, a nation of immense potential, stands at a crossroads. The outcome of this election, and the policies pursued in its aftermath, will have profound implications for the country’s future.
