A Staged Election? Tebboune’s Campaign Rejects Algerian Election Results
In a move that has shocked many observers, the campaign teams for all three candidates in the recent Algerian presidential election, including that of declared winner Abdelmadjid Tebboune, have issued a joint statement rejecting the announced results. This unprecedented move raises serious questions about the legitimacy of the election and the true extent of the military’s control over Algerian politics.
While Tebboune, widely seen as the military’s preferred candidate, was declared the winner with 94.65% of the vote, this joint statement suggests a deeper, more orchestrated narrative at play. Critics argue that this is a blatant attempt by the military regime to create a facade of democracy and transparency.
The very fact that Tebboune’s campaign is disputing the results announced by the supposedly “independent” electoral authority speaks volumes. This authority, widely believed to be a puppet of the military, was responsible for overseeing the entire electoral process, from appointing officials to announcing the results.
The joint statement, signed by the campaign directors of candidates Youssef Ougene (Socialist Forces Front), Abdelmadjid Tebboune (Independent), and Abdelali Hassani (Movement of Society for Peace), cites ”ambiguity, contradiction, obscurity, and discrepancy” in the figures announced by the electoral authority.
This situation draws parallels to other instances where authoritarian regimes have attempted to legitimize their rule through staged elections. For example, the 2018 presidential election in Venezuela saw widespread accusations of voter intimidation and manipulation, ultimately leading to international condemnation and sanctions.
The Algerian people are no strangers to such political maneuvering. The country has a long history of military involvement in politics, with the military playing a decisive role in shaping the country’s destiny since its independence in 1962.
This latest development underscores the urgent need for genuine democratic reforms in Algeria. The international community must hold the Algerian government accountable for ensuring free and fair elections that reflect the will of the people. Until then, the specter of doubt and distrust will continue to loom large over Algerian politics.
