The Algerian local elections, set to take place on November 28, have seen a significant participation of young candidates, with 54% of those running being under the age of 40. According to the Autorité nationale indépendante des élections (ANIE), 87,995 candidates are aged under 40, making up 54.02% of the total number of candidates. This information was released after the expiration of the deadline for replacing rejected electoral lists.
The ANIE reported that a total of 5,631 lists were deposited for the Assemblées populaires communales (APC) and 434 for the Assemblées populaires de wilaya (APW). Only three lists were rejected for the APC, representing a rejection rate of 0.05%, while six lists were rejected for the APW, making up 1.38% of the total number of candidatures. The rejections were mainly due to non-compliance with conditions related to signature forms and incomplete dossiers.
The ANIE stated that candidates who had their lists rejected have the possibility of introducing appeals before administrative tribunals. The instance électorale also detailed the reasons for the rejection of certain individual candidatures, including the absence of regulatory documents, non-inscription on the electoral lists of the concerned constituency, and non-respect of the minimum age of 23.
In addition to the reasons mentioned earlier, the ANIE cited other serious motives that led to the rejection of lists, including final judicial convictions, lack of fiscal regularization, presumed links with suspect business environments, and elements contrary to the principle of moralization of political life. Certain categories of people are also affected by ineligibility, in accordance with article 188 of the organic law relating to the electoral regime.
The ANIE has also observed a significant presence of young people among the lists of candidates for the upcoming local elections, APO, and APW. A total of 19,327 female candidates are running, representing 11.86% of the total number of candidates. The number of candidates holding a university diploma reaches 78,959, corresponding to 48.48% of the total.
The ANIE's report highlights the efforts made to ensure the integrity and transparency of the electoral process. The instance électorale has been working to verify the eligibility of candidates and ensure that they meet the required conditions. The ANIE has also been working to promote the participation of women and young people in the electoral process.
The local elections on November 28 will be a crucial test for Algeria's democratic process. With a significant participation of young candidates and a notable presence of female candidates, the elections will be an opportunity for Algerians to choose their local representatives. The ANIE's efforts to ensure the integrity and transparency of the electoral process will be closely watched by national and international observers.
Key points
- 54% of candidates in Algerian local elections are under 40 years old.
- 12% of candidates in Algerian local elections are women.
- Only 0.05% of APC lists and 1.38% of APW lists were rejected.
