Algeria’s ruling National Liberation Front (FLN) won the largest bloc of parliamentary seats in the country’s latest elections, taking 90 of 407. However, the election was marred by unprecedented voter apathy, with only 21% of the country’s 25 million eligible voters casting ballots. The vote followed the disqualification of roughly one-third of prospective candidates, contributing to widespread public disengagement. Election officials defended the process as transparent, arguing that declining voter participation is not unique to Algeria. The election reflects continuing political apathy following the 2019 Hirak protest movement, which forced longtime President Abdelaziz Bouteflika from office. Yet many Algerians remain skeptical of political reforms under President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who secured a second term in 2024, leaving questions about public trust and democratic participation unresolved.
France 24