Algeria is set to hold local elections on November 28, 2026, to renew its Assemblies of People's Communes and Wilayas (APC and APW). The electoral process has begun, with an exceptional revision of lists taking place from September 6 to 17, 2026. The elections will take place within a new administrative map of the country, which has been divided into 69 wilayas and 1,541 communes.
The new territorial division has significant implications for the electoral process. The determination of electoral districts and the number of seats available is crucial, given the changes brought about by the new administrative division. According to the organic law on the electoral regime, the number of members of APCs and APWs varies based on the population count from the last general census of population and housing.
Candidates for the APC and APW must meet specific requirements. Lists of candidates must have a number of candidates superior to the number of seats to be filled, with a specific number of candidates required for odd and even-numbered seats. Additionally, lists must include a third of female candidates, reserve at least half of the candidatures for people under 40 years old, and have at least a third of candidates with a university education.
There are exceptions to the representation requirements, particularly for communes with a population of less than 20,000 inhabitants. The elections will be held using an open list system with proportional representation and preferential voting, without panachage. Members of APCs and APWs are elected for a five-year term.
The National Independent Electoral Authority (ANIE) is responsible for preparing, organizing, managing, supervising, and controlling the electoral operations. The ANIE has set a calendar for the electoral process, which includes several stages. The authority is assisted by the competent administration, which provides the necessary material means for the operations.
The electoral process is governed by specific laws and regulations. Article 124 of the law provides that the electoral districts and the number of seats to be filled for the APC and APW elections are fixed by regulatory means. The ANIE plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth conduct of the elections.
The local elections are an important event in Algeria's democratic process. The elections will allow citizens to choose their representatives at the local level, with significant implications for the country's governance and development. The ANIE's efforts to ensure the integrity and transparency of the electoral process are crucial in maintaining public trust.
Key points
- Algeria's local elections will be held on November 28, 2026, with a new territorial division in place.
- Candidates must meet specific requirements, including quotas for women, youth, and university-educated individuals.
- The National Independent Electoral Authority (ANIE) is responsible for organizing and supervising the electoral process.
