Algeria's Aging President Poised for Easy Victory in Upcoming Election

As Algerians head to the polls for the presidential election, analysts predict minimal change in the political landscape. Incumbent President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who is 78 years old, faces little challenge from the candidates running against him. Out of 15 initial contenders, only two secured the necessary support to be officially recognized: Abdelaali Hassani Cherif from the moderate Islamist Movement of Society for Peace, and Youcef Aouchiche from the center-left Socialist Forces Front (FFS).

Senior Fellow Intissar Fakir from the Middle East Institute notes that neither Hassani nor Aouchiche is likely to significantly disrupt Tebboune’s hold on power. “If you examine their platforms, none of the proposals present a major departure from the current government’s policies,” Fakir explained.

Tebboune's presidency has seen some improvements, although these changes were not driven by government initiatives but rather by external factors like the COVID-19 pandemic. Algeria’s economy benefited significantly from a rebound in energy prices, which had been low since 2014. The increase in energy exports, driven by Europe’s need to find alternative fuel sources following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has brought a boost in foreign currency. This economic relief has helped Algeria maintain its extensive subsidy system, which supports health, housing, social benefits, and energy.

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