Algeria’s Constitutional Court has confirmed the re-election of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, despite numerous fraud allegations from opposition figures. According to state media, Tebboune received 84.3% of the vote. This decision comes amid serious allegations from opposition leaders, including Abdelali Hassani Cherif of the Movement of Society for Peace and Youcef Aouchiche of the Socialist Forces Front, who accused the electoral authority of manipulating voter turnout figures. The opposition claims that the newly reported turnout figures contradict earlier data.
Initially, the National Independent Election Authority (ANIE) reported a voter participation rate of 26.5% by 5 p.m. on election day, which inexplicably rose to 48% by 8 p.m. The next day, ANIE revised this figure again, stating only 5.6 million out of nearly 24 million eligible voters had cast their ballots, a significantly lower turnout. Both opposition leaders legally challenged the election results last week, questioning the integrity and accuracy of the election process.
Furthermore, Tebboune himself questioned the election’s legitimacy, citing irregularities that various media, including the Associated Press, reported. Despite these claims and challenges, President of the Constitutional Court, Omar Belhadj, announced in a live broadcast that Tebboune has been elected for a second term and will continue his duties following the swearing-in ceremony.
For further details, please visit the original coverage on JURIST.