Algeria's National Independent Election Authority (ANIE) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening coordination with media outlets in preparation for the upcoming local elections on November 28. ANIE President Saïd Arous emphasized the importance of providing accurate and timely electoral information to avoid misinterpretations and confusion. He made these remarks at the opening of a study day focused on the role of media in the electoral process.
Arous highlighted the need for official electoral information to be available, clear, and precise, while also stressing the importance of rapid dissemination without compromising accuracy. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the digital landscape, where information spreads rapidly, and emphasized the responsibility of both electoral institutions and media outlets to ensure the accuracy of information.
The ANIE president praised the mobilization of national public and private media during previous elections, noting their role in explaining procedures to citizens. He expressed his authority's willingness to consolidate exchanges with media professionals to facilitate access to electoral information.
Communication Minister Mohamed Bouslimani, who also spoke at the study day, emphasized the complementarity between electoral institutions and the communication sector in preparing for the upcoming elections. He highlighted the importance of a professional and responsible media coverage in promoting democracy.
Bouslimani noted that the theme of the study day, "Media and Local Elections 2026: Towards Professional, Responsible, and Transparent Coverage," reflects the significance of journalistic work in accompanying the electoral process. He stressed that the approach is in line with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune's orientations, which aim to guarantee citizens the right to free expression through democratic elections.
The minister recalled that reforms in the information and electoral sectors have been undertaken in recent years, in line with the significant transformations that have marked the national landscape since 2019. He emphasized that these reforms aim to promote the system of rights and freedoms and improve public governance.
Bouslimani and Arous both underscored the crucial role of media in promoting democracy and ensuring the transparency of the electoral process. The authorities and media outlets will continue to work together to ensure that citizens have access to accurate and timely information during the upcoming local elections.
Key points
- The Algerian government is working to ensure that citizens have access to accurate and timely information during the upcoming local elections.
- The ANIE has pledged to strengthen coordination with media outlets to facilitate access to electoral information.
- The Communication Minister emphasized the importance of professional and responsible media coverage in promoting democracy.
