CIVICUS discusses Algeria’s recent presidential election with a member of the Independent Commission for Human Rights in North Africa (CIDH), a regional human rights organisation based in Morocco. The interviewee requested to stay anonymous for security reasons.

Algeria’s President Abdelmadjid Tebboune won the 7 September election with a staggering 94.65 per cent of the vote, but on a very low turnout. Little competition was allowed, with the election date moved to make it harder for opponents to stand and campaign. Algeria’s political elite and powerful military have clamped down on the protest energy that brought Tebboune to power in 2019. Many activists, journalists and opposition politicians have been jailed, and civil society organisations and independent media have been shut down. The government gets away with this thanks to its low international profile and Europe’s willingness to say nothing as long as Algeria supplies the gas it needs.

How competitive, free and fair was the recent presidential election?

The recent election was heavily criticised, with many observers questioning its fairness and competitiveness. Voters had limited choice, as several opposition parties were barred from participating because the incumbent, President Tebboune, saw them as a threat. The overall integrity of the election was also questioned because of many reports suggesting intimidation and fraud.

Civil society groups attempted to monitor the process but faced many obstacles. Despite recommendations from the United Nations (UN) to allow peaceful gatherings, the government continued to restrict them, limiting the ability of civil society to act as a democratic watchdog.

All this resulted in a significantly low voter turnout. While the government reported a turnout of around 48 per cent, some civil society groups estimated it was under 20 per cent. Low public participation in the election reflected widespread disillusionment with politics.

What’s the situation of Algerian civil society?

The situation is deeply concerning, particularly given the increased repression civil society has faced since the 2019 Hirak protests. Since then, the authorities have imposed severe restrictions on groups expressing dissent, harassing, intimidating and arresting activists simply for expressing their views. This severely hampers efforts to bring about change. Despite minor improvements following a visit by UN experts in 2023, progress has been limited and civic space remains severely restricted.

Despite the repressive conditions, Algerian activists have shown remarkable resilience. Many have relocated to European cities such as Brussels, London and Paris in an attempt to overcome these challenges and continue their work. Civil society’s work is mainly focused on achieving fundamental freedoms, including fairer elections, extending rights and improving access to basic services, even under severe repression.

How does Tebboune manage to stay in power?

Tebboune’s power is maintained mainly through strong military support. Like many leaders in the region, he relies heavily on the alignment of political and military interests, which helps him maintain stability and control.

Another key element is his government’s tight control of key state institutions, particularly the media and law enforcement agencies. This power is used to stifle dissent and limit the spread of narratives that challenge the government, effectively marginalising critical voices and maintaining control over public discourse.

A particularly worrying trend is the misuse of anti-terrorism laws to target civil society, particularly groups and activists who receive international funding.

Despite widespread public discontent, Tebboune has not faced any significant challenge to his authority. Fear of repression prevents the formation of a united and organised opposition that could challenge him.

What would it take for Algeria to transition to democracy?

Algeria has the potential to transition to democracy, but this requires genuine political reform. Key steps include upholding freedom of expression in practice, not just on paper, and allowing opposition parties to operate without persecution and compete in free elections.

The empowerment of civil society is equally important. The authorities should see civil society as a partner in promoting democratic governance, enabling it to monitor processes and engage in debate on economic, social and political issues.

The international community has a crucial role to play in facilitating dialogue between the government and civil society, providing resources for capacity strengthening and supporting initiatives aimed at empowering excluded groups such as women and children. They must also continue to advocate for human rights and hold the Algerian government to account.