Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has announced his intention to run for a second term, five years after rising to power as the military and establishment-backed candidate during widespread pro-democracy protests.
In an interview set to be broadcast on Algerian television, the 78-year-old political veteran stated that his decision was motivated by support from political parties and young people. “If the Algerian people want to vote for me, that’s fine, otherwise I’ll have accomplished my mission and whoever succeeds me will be welcome,” he said, highlighting his achievements and the security and stability of the gas-rich North African country.
Tebboune had previously avoided declaring his intentions, even after the election date was set for September 7 almost four months ago. Despite this, his candidacy was widely anticipated, described as “an open secret” and a result of discussions among the political elite, according to political scientist Rachid Grime.
So far, 34 candidates have announced plans to run in the election. However, only three have gathered the necessary signatures to appear on the ballot: Youcef Aouchiche of the Socialist Forces Front, Algeria’s largest opposition party; Abdellah Hassan Cherif of the Islamist party Movement for Society and Peace; and Sadia Naghzi of the General Confederation of Algerian Enterprises. Candidates have until July 18 to collect signatures.
Tebboune’s re-election would further solidify the power of Algeria’s political and military elite, distancing the country from the aspirations of the “Hirak” movement. This movement, which held weekly street protests, pressured former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika to resign in April 2019 after two decades in office.
Tebboune, a former prime minister under Bouteflika, won the 2019 election with a low voter turnout, as protesters boycotted it, calling it a rushed affair designed to maintain the old regime’s control over the nation of 45 million people.
