The Movement for the Society of Peace (MSP) and the Justice and Development Movement (MJS), two prominent Islamist parties in Algeria, have declared their non-participation in the presidential election scheduled for December 12. This decision was made during a consultative council held by the parties. Despite their boycott, both parties have expressed their support for the election as a means to resolve the country's ongoing crisis.

The MJS, led by Abdellah Djabellah, stated that they will not present a candidate for the presidential election, citing that the conditions for a fair and legitimate election are not met. The party emphasized its commitment to the people's legitimate demands and called for dialogue to find a solution to the crisis. They also stressed that any attempt to bypass the popular will and impose a fait accompli would only prolong the crisis.

The MJS has raised concerns about the credibility of the National Authority for the Organization of Elections, citing the mode of designation as a major issue. They also called for an end to repression and the independence of the judiciary. The party expressed its willingness to work with other active forces in civil society and the opposition to adopt a unified choice for a global and common reform project.

The MSP, led by Makri, shares a similar stance with the MJS, citing inadequate conditions for the election. While the party believes that a presidential election is necessary to preserve the state's constitutional institutions, they argue that the current conditions do not allow for fair competition. The MSP's decision to boycott the election aligns with their previous positions.

In contrast, other parties such as El Islah and El Bina have announced their participation in the election. Filali Ghouini, president of El Islah, and Bengrina, president of El Bina, have publicly declared their intention to participate in the electoral process. This development highlights the divisions within the Algerian opposition regarding participation in the upcoming election.

The Algerian government has been facing a crisis for several months, with widespread protests and demands for reform. The country's election process has been a subject of controversy, with various parties and groups raising concerns about its legitimacy. The boycott by Islamist parties is likely to further complicate the electoral process and the country's efforts to resolve its crisis.

The decision by the MSP and MJS to boycott the election has significant implications for the country's future. As major players in Algerian politics, their absence from the electoral process may impact the legitimacy of the election and the government's ability to address the country's challenges. The situation remains uncertain, with ongoing efforts to find a solution to the crisis.

Key points

  • The MSP and MJS have announced their boycott of the presidential election due to inadequate conditions.
  • The parties have expressed their support for the election as a means to resolve the country's crisis.
  • Other parties, such as El Islah and El Bina, have announced their participation in the election.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.