The Algerian government has announced that public sector employees who are running in the upcoming local elections will be granted paid leave. This decision was made following a request from the Independent National Authority for Elections, and aims to allow these employees to focus on their election campaigns without worrying about their salaries. The elections, which are scheduled to take place on November 28, 2026, will see the renewal of municipal and provincial popular councils.
According to a circular sent by the Prime Minister's office to government members and governors, public sector employees who are running in the elections will be automatically placed on leave with pay. This measure is intended to enable them to devote themselves to their election campaigns during the legally defined period. The circular also reminded government members and governors of the need to take the necessary measures to allow these employees to exercise their electoral rights.
The decision was made in accordance with Article 73 of the Organic Law No. 21-101 of March 10, 2021, which governs the electoral system. This article provides that candidates for the local elections are entitled to paid leave during the election period. The Prime Minister's office emphasized that this leave does not affect the employees' salaries, which they will continue to receive during this period.
However, the government also stressed the importance of maintaining the neutrality of the administration during the election period. Government members and governors were instructed to ensure that public sector employees running in the elections do not use state resources or facilities for campaign purposes. They were also reminded that any political activity within the workplace during the election period is prohibited.
The circular also prohibited public sector employees running in the elections from using their positions or jobs for electoral purposes or to influence voters. The government aims to ensure that the elections are fair and transparent, and that all candidates have an equal opportunity to campaign.
The upcoming local elections in Algeria are an important event in the country's democratic process. The elections will see the renewal of municipal and provincial popular councils, which play a crucial role in local governance. The government has taken several measures to ensure that the elections are free and fair, including the granting of paid leave to public sector employees running in the elections.
The decision to grant paid leave to public sector employees running in the elections has been welcomed by many as a positive step towards ensuring that all candidates have an equal opportunity to participate in the electoral process. The elections are scheduled to take place on November 28, 2026, and the government has urged all citizens to participate in the electoral process.
Key points
- Algeria grants paid leave to public sector employees running in local elections
- The decision aims to allow employees to focus on their election campaigns without worrying about their salaries
- The government stresses the importance of maintaining the neutrality of the administration during the election period
