The campaign for Algeria's local elections is set to begin on Thursday, November 3, as the country's political parties and candidates prepare to contest for seats in the municipal and provincial councils. The elections, scheduled for November 28, will see various parties and independent candidates vying for positions in the country's local governance structures. According to reports, around 136 parties and independents have submitted their lists of candidates.
The leaders of various Algerian parties have embarked on a countrywide tour to launch their campaigns, with some opting to start in the southern regions. The National Democratic Rally (RND) leader, Mondher Boudan, has scheduled meetings and rallies in several southern provinces, including Timetimoun, Ain Salah, Ain Qazam, Tamanrasset, and Adrar. His party is fielding nearly 1,000 lists of candidates for the municipal and provincial councils.
Other party leaders have also started their campaigns, with the Movement of Society for Peace (MSP) leader, Abdelali Hassani, holding a rally in the province of El Oued. The MSP is participating in the elections with around 400 lists of candidates. Meanwhile, the leader of the National Building Movement (MBN), Abdelkader Ben Gherina, will be holding a campaign rally in the province of Bouira. His party has so far secured around 600 lists of candidates.
As the campaigns gain momentum, candidates will be engaging in door-to-door campaigns and holding rallies across various municipalities and provinces to present their programs and priorities to voters. Some parliamentarians are also expected to participate in the campaigns, accompanying their parties and contributing to the mobilization efforts.
In a bid to ensure a fair and transparent campaign, the Independent National Electoral Authority (INEC) has issued a statement outlining the legal and ethical guidelines for managing election campaigns. The guidelines prohibit candidates from using hate speech, discrimination, and violence, and ban the use of foreign languages in campaign materials.
The INEC guidelines also emphasize the importance of respecting the dignity of opponents and adhering to a clean and respectful campaign discourse. The use of public institutions and properties for campaign purposes is strictly prohibited, and candidates are required to restrict their campaign posters to designated areas.
The local elections are seen as a crucial test for Algeria's democracy, with voter turnout in previous elections being relatively low. The authorities have urged citizens to participate in the electoral process and exercise their right to vote. The elections will be a significant step in shaping the country's local governance structures and determining the future of its municipalities and provinces.
Key points
- Algeria's local elections are scheduled for November 28, with over 136 parties and independents participating.
- The country's major parties have launched their campaigns, with leaders embarking on countrywide tours to rally support.
- The Independent National Electoral Authority has issued guidelines to ensure a fair and transparent campaign.
