Algeria’s election year has begun, and both the ruling party and the opposition have launched political campaigns to address the growing political and economic issues facing the oil-rich nation of North Africa.
However, it is still unclear if the presidential campaign in Algeria, which is anticipated to take place in December, will spur political parties or the general public to engage in meaningful discussion about the country’s future.
One of the few opposition groups still having a significant public presence in President Abdelmajid Tebboune’s Algeria is the Rally for Culture and Democracy, which this week urged the government to “put in place political conditions for a debate to find a way out of crisis.”
As of yet, no one has declared their intention to run against Tebboune, the 78-year-old leader of Algeria, for a second term. Since claiming last month that “the people will decide the right moment” for such an announcement, he has continued to project mystery.
Tebboune has received support from Said Chengriha, the head of the nation’s army, who praised “the initiatives accomplished over the previous 4 years” and urged “the continuance of this effort.”
Hassan Lamari, a former railroad worker, claimed on Monday that not everyone has been affected by the government’s attempts to bring attention to initiatives to combat corruption, boost the economy, and steer Algeria in a new direction.
He told The Associated Press, “Instead of listening to misinformation on public television, go to the market to examine the pricing.” “For most Algerians, meat and fish are luxury items.”
The appeal for communication with the ruling class voiced by the Rally for Culture and Democracy during a Sunday meeting coincides with Tebboune’s return to political party leaders’ meetings. Although few
She claimed that Tebboune had accepted questions on the situation of journalist Ihsane El Kadi, who was imprisoned, and that he was open to any suggestions, including calls for political and social reforms.
Whilst some party leaders are beginning to feel cautiously optimistic about efforts to rekindle political discourse and engage Algerians, the populace still has many reasons to be politically disenchanted and disillusioned.
Even four years after Tebboune took office on a platform of extending support to pro-democracy demonstrators who had contributed to the overthrow of his predecessor’s 20-year rule, Algeria is still punishing journalists and activists who have spoken criticism of the government harshly. Last month, separatist members of the Movement for the Self-Determination of Kabylie (MAK) were found guilty of supporting terrorism and jeopardizing public safety.
(AP)
