Algerians vote in parliamentary elections while facing cost-of-living strains and candidate bans

Algerians are voting in parliamentary elections on Thursday, with low turnout a concern despite a paid national holiday. The elections are overshadowed by cost-of-living issues and a ban on 269 candidates, including former pro-democracy movement figures, who were disqualified by the electoral authority for alleged illicit financial or suspicious political activities. Many voters are more focused on daily economic struggles and declining public services than electoral politics. The outgoing pro-government majority holds a significant number of seats, while the Islamist MSP party is the second largest force. Parties are campaigning through grassroots meetings due to empty venues, with the presidential majority urging turnout for domestic strength and opposition parties advocating for social and economic reforms and prisoner releases.

Algerians are heading to legislative polls on Wednesday amidst fears of record-low voter turnout. This follows a 2021 election that saw only 23 percent participation, the lowest since independence. Years after the Hirak protest movement, a climate of disengagement and mistrust prevails, exacerbated by a perceived tightening of political and civic space. A significant number of prospective candidates, over 3,700, were barred from running due to eligibility concerns, with authorities citing links to business interests or "suspicious activities" under electoral law amendments aimed at preventing "dirty money." Critics argue the broad wording of this law grants authorities excessive discretion in candidate approvals.

Algerians are voting on July 2 for 407 members of the People’s National Assembly in a parliamentary election seen as a test of public engagement and political change following the 2019 Hirak protests. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune frames the vote as part of building a "new Algeria," but critics argue executive power remains dominant and opposition activity is constrained. Turnout is expected to be low, with established political forces likely to continue their dominance. Economic concerns, including jobs and purchasing power, are prominent campaign issues. Human rights groups have raised concerns over restrictions on opposition and civil society, which Algerian authorities reject.